60th Annual Eastern CT Symphony Orchestra Competition March 9 in New London

The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra invites the general public to attend its annual Instrumental Competition. This competition, now in its 60th year, was established to recognize the outstanding talents of emerging young musicians through the age of 25. 12 contestants have been selected for the final round held at Evans Hall on the campus of Connecticut College in New London, CT on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 1:00pm. Complimentary refreshments are offered at the conclusion of the competition, after judges announce the winners.

The finalists hail from Connecticut, New York, Boston, and as far as California. The instruments represented at the final round will be alto saxophone, cello, clarinet, violin, viola, and piano.

The first prize winner will receive a cash award of $2,000 and a possible appearance as guest soloist with the orchestra. Second prize will receive a $1,000 cash award. Third prize will receive a $500 cash award. Past first prize winners have included cellist, Hyewon Kim; violinist, Clare Elena Semes; cellist, Jung-Hsuan Ko; flutist, Joanna Wu; cellist, Yi Qun Xu; and cellist, Justin Park who was featured as a soloist on ECSO’s February 23, 2019 concert, Journey Home.

Education is a crucial component of the ECSO’s mission “to inspire, educate, and connect our communities through live orchestral music.” The Annual Instrumental Competition helps carry out this mission, as well as positively impacting young people who are serious about pursuing a career in music.

We are beyond excited to announce our 72nd season’s lineup, curated by Music Director and Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada. Major repertoire selections from Rachmaninoff, Mendelssohn, Dvořák, Mahler and many more will bring a thrilling range of sounds to the Garde stage. In addition to these timeless composers, we have co-commissioned a new work by Michael Torke, which will feature violinist, Tessa Lark, performing a bluegrass-style concerto. Along with the esteemed guest artists who will grace the front of the stage will be many familiar faces from within the ECSO’s very own sections. Stephan Tieszen, the ECSO’s Concertmaster for 30 years; principal bass, Tom Green; and principal violist, Barbara Wiggin, will all make featured appearances throughout the season. The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus will join the ECSO for Verdi’s Stabat Mater and Mozart’s Mass in C Major.

Visit www.ectsymphony.com for more information and follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube) @ectsymphony

The ECSO offers a range of affordable seating options from $62 to as low as $12 for attendance to one concert. The ECSO will continue to offer those under 40 years of age and active or retired military members $12 tickets in premium sections. Patrons can also take advantage of the Pick 4 subscription, which enables people to schedule our concerts around their busy lives.

Founded in 1946, the mission of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra is to inspire, educate, and connect our communities through live orchestral music.