NSO Searching For Musical Prodigies To Perform

At January 2009 Concert; Applications Available

NORWALK — How would young people such as composers Mozart and Schubert or performers like Midori and Joshua Bell, who from an early age exhibited musical genius, grow and nurture their talent without the support of adult role models? The tradition of celebrating the musical prodigies is a long standing custom of the professional music community as well as an integral part of its legacy.

In this spirit, Norwalk Symphony Orchestra announces its talent search, for the third year, to identify a select group of exceptional young musicians. The designated young people will perform in a regular subscription series concert, titled “Fiesta!” on Saturday, January 24.

NSO will be choosing student positions for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn and string instruments. Selected young musicians will join the symphony’s performances of music from Latin America and Spain including works by De Falla, Piazzolla, Marquez and Villa Lobos.

“The Norwalk Symphony will continue to discover the area’s most talented young musicians and invite them to perform onstage with our professional adult musicians,” adds Diane Wittry, conductor and music director of NSO. “We are so inspired and dazzled by the passion and dedication of youthful performers.”

The young musical talents selected for last year’s Prodigy concert included cellist Allison Giebisch of Bethany, violinist Nicole Kilroy from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., cellist Danielle Merlis of Westport, and violinist Tristan Zeman of Westport.

Beginning June 15, interested musicians can obtain the application and qualification details on the website of Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, at www.NorwalkSymphony.org. The submission of an audio or video tape with the application and fee to Jane Shelly c/o Norwalk Symphony Office, One Park Street, Norwalk CT 06851 will be required.

The final deadline for application submission is September 26.

For additional information about the Prodigy search, contact NSO Executive Director Jane Shelly at 203-847-8844 or info@NorwalkSymphony.org.