The Greater Bridgeport Symphony has appointed Eduardo Leandro as its new Music Director and Principal Conductor after a comprehensive search that lasted two seasons. Leandro was selected from a pool of more than 180 applicants, with seven finalists competing for the position. His inaugural "Something Big!" concert is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, at The Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport at 7:30 p.m.

Leandro, originally from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, brings a rich musical background to his new role. He studied at São Paulo State University, the Rotterdam Conservatory in the Netherlands, and Yale University. Gustav Meier, the long-serving Music Director of GBS, mentored him. Leandro is a world-renowned percussionist and an educational leader recognized for his community outreach efforts, particularly with Bridgeport youth.

"Eduardo made a real connection with the students during his visits to Bridgeport's elementary schools last year," said GBS President Mark Halstead, noting Leandro's fluency in five languages.

Leandro has expressed his eagerness to engage with the diverse communities in the greater Bridgeport area. He has already introduced himself around town through school visits and local Brazilian restaurants. "I’m looking forward to celebrating life through art here in Bridgeport, sharing our beautiful music straight from our souls to you," Leandro said. "A symphony orchestra should mirror its community, and I want to see the Greater Bridgeport Symphony doing just that."

The May 10 concert will showcase Leandro’s debut as Music Director. Pianist Andrew Armstrong, a favorite of GBS for over 20 years, will perform Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto No. 2." The orchestra will also present Mendelssohn's "Midsummer Night's Dream" overture and Brahms' "Symphony No. 4." Leandro emphasized his commitment to selecting music that the audience will enjoy and that the orchestra will love to play.

GBS invites the community to celebrate its upcoming 80th season at a Gala to meet Maestro Eduardo on Friday, April 4, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The City Wide Church Ballroom (formerly Congregation Rodeph Sholom), 2385 Park Avenue, Bridgeport. The "Around the World in 80 Seasons" gala will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, live and silent auctions, a performance by the Anthony DeQuattro Quintet, and a surprise appearance from a young rising star violinist. The gala honors Herbert and Doris Harrington, with Mrs. Harrington having been a key leader of GBS for over 30 years until her recent passing. Tickets are priced at $150 per person or $250 for VIP seating with Leandro; tables of eight are available for $1,100, and seating is limited. Reservations can be made at www.GBS.ORG or by calling (203)576-0263.

Tickets for the "Something Big!" concert on May 10 are now on sale, ranging from $18 to $72. A Family Pack deal is available, allowing kids under 19 to attend for free, with accompanying adults receiving a 15% discount off regular pricing. Subscriptions for the 2025-26 season will go on sale at the end of March. Visit www.GBS.org or call (203)576-0263 for more information.