Press Release – ECSO’s Annual Instrumental Competition 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       
CONTACT: CALEB BAILEY860-443-2876
[email protected]

ECSO’s Annual Instrumental Competition 2025

The 64th Annual ECSO Instrumental Competition finals will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Evans Hall on the Connecticut College campus in New London. Generously sponsored by the Zuckerbraun Family Fund, this competition was established to recognize the outstanding talents of emerging young musicians through the age of 25.

Up to 12 finalists from local music institutions and top music conservatories will compete for prizes and the possibility of soloing with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra during the 2025-2026 concert season. We are so excited to hear another year of amazing musicians and strongly encourage all to apply!

Important dates:

Jan 22, 2025 – Early application deadline, discounted non-refundable application fee ($40) with complete application including MP3 or WAV audio file.

Feb 12, 2025 – Application, non-refundable application fee ($50) due along with recording in MP3 or WAV audio file.

Mar 5, 2025 – Finalists are notified by phone or email.

Mar 22, 2025 – Beginning at 1pm, final round of competition is held, with live performances from contestants at Connecticut College (New London, CT).

Requirements:

Preliminary round of competition (AUDIO-ONLY RECORDING):

• One movement of a concerto from any standard solo repertoire
• This movement should demonstrate a range of techniques, skill, and musicianship.
• The soloist must have accompaniment in recording.
• Only single-take, unedited recordings will be considered.

Final round of competition (LIVE):

• A complete concerto (or a solo piece with orchestral accompaniment) of their choice
• The final round must be performed by memory.
• The concerto (or a solo piece with orchestral accompaniment) will be performed with an accompanist. Finalists are responsible for securing an accompanist. However, please contact us if you need assistance.

Eligibility and application:

• Applicants must be 25 or younger on the day of the competition. Previous first-prize winners are not eligible. Applications must be completed before the deadline.
  
  
• Complete application will include:
              (1) Online application form
              (2) Proof of age
              (3)Non-refundable application fee            (4)Audio recording of preliminary round repertoire (MP3 or WAV files)
  
  
• For the preliminary round, only AUDIO recordings will be accepted.
• The online application form can be found on the ECSO website: https://ectsymphony.com/instrumental-competition/.

Application payment:

• Application fees can be paid by check and mailed to the ECSO office located at 289 State St, New London, Ct 06320 or paid online at our Instrumental Competition page: https://ectsymphony.com/instrumental-competition/.

Other details:

• For further information or questions, you can email [email protected] or call the office at 860-443-2876.

ECSO general copy:

We are thrilled to announce our 2024-25 Season lineup, curated by Music Director and Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada. Season Highlights include Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 (Organ), Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.4, Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 featuring our Instrumental Competition winner, Puccini & Verdi selections with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus and international guest artists. From early fall to late spring, the 75-plus member professional Symphony Orchestra presents six subscription concerts annually, most of which feature guest soloists. Subscription concerts are primarily performed at the historic award-winning Garde Arts Center on State Street in New London.

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

Founded in 1946 by Norwegian immigrant, Victor Norman, the ECSO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the eastern Connecticut region, including New London, Norwich, Waterford, Groton, Mystic, Old Lyme, and East Lyme. Recent concerts in Norwich, Willimantic, and Stonington reflect our renewed dedication to serving a broader area.

Our mission is to inspire, educate, and connect our communities through live orchestral music.