Congratulations to the following musicians who participated in the May 22, 2011, competition:

1st Place:       Nicole Kogan, piano (winner of $100 and an appearance with the ECSYO on April 22, 2012).

2nd Place:      Felix Jarrar, piano (winner of $75).

3rd Place:       Matt Lin, cello (winner of $50).

The 2012 Victor Norman Concerto Competition is scheduled on Sunday June 3rd, 2012, from 10 a.m. to noon and is open to students/young adults in grades 7 through 12. The winner will be invited to perform as a soloist with the Youth Orchestra at a concert during the 2012-2013 Season. First, Second and Third Place monetary prizes will also awarded.

Click here for 2012 Audition Rules and 2012 Application Form. New forms will be put up when date is determined for 2012.

Who Was Victor Norman? 

In 1946, Victor Norman founded the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, which he conducted and guided for the next 35 years. To learn more about Victor Norman, please click here to read an article, "Remembering Victor Norman" by his son, Bob Norman, on his website. The following quote from Victor Norman was taken from that article:

"I dare say that music is my native language. I was born with it, and it will remain with me to the very end. My happiest moments came when I would sit down to study a score. My concentration was complete, all other thoughts would fade away, it was a truly spiritual experience ... My sixty some years of conducting have been a journey of learning and discovery ... It was not until my last concert on the occasion of my 90th birthday that I could say to myself: 'Yes, I am a good conductor.'"