The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra invites the public to a free afternoon of music and refreshments. The 54th Annual ECSO Instrumental Competition Finals will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2013, at 1 PM in Evans Hall on the Connecticut College Campus in New London. Nine finalists from the top music conservatories across the country will compete for a first prize of $3,000 and the possibility of soloing with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra during the 2013-2014 concert season. Second prize is $1,500 and third prize is $750. All entries were pre-judged in the first round by CD’s. The instruments will include violin, cello, and alto saxophone. The 2012 winner, Chelsea Starbuck Smith performed with the ECSO on January 12, 2013, to rave reviews. Be the first to see next year’s soloist!

The judges are Eva Virsik, concert pianist, Stephan Tieszen, ECSO Concertmaster, Alvin Wong, ECSO Principal Cello. The instrumentalists will perform followed by the judges retiring to make their decision while the audience is treated to free refreshments. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents or grandparents to bring children. For further information, call the Eastern Connecticut Symphony office at 860-443-2876.