Young Instrumentalists Take Note:

GBS Competition Returning In January

BRIDGEPORT — Applications are available for Greater Bridgeport Symphony’s Carlson-Horn Competition for Young Instrumentalists.

Sponsored by the Hersher Family Foundation, the two-day event will take place on Saturday and Sunday, January 21-22, at the Jewish Center for Community Services, on Park Avenue (near Merritt Parkway Exit 47). The Center is once again hosting the event in its renovated theater.

Sunday’s finals at 1 pm will be open to the public with no admission charged.

“Fairfield and New Haven Counties are a true breeding ground for great young musicians,” said Barbara Rogo of Bridgeport, co-chair of the Carlson-Horn Competition. “We have had such high caliber instrumentalists entering this event that our Music Director Gustav Meier — one of the world’s premiere conductors — thought the winners of the past two competitions were ready to perform with the GBSO.”

Violinist Ada Pasternak of Fairfield, the 2004 winner, made her debut with the GBSO last season, and violinist Alex Weill of Woodbridge, the 2005 winner, will make her debut at the Symphony’s “Mad About Mozart” concert on March 4.

Cash prizes of $400, $200, and $100 — along with special award certificates — will be given to the top three finalists. The first prize winner will also be invited to audition for the symphony’s internationally known conductor Gustav Meier. Many past contestants have appeared with the orchestra and have become recognized artists.

The competition, now entering its 25th year, is open to all instrumentalists between the ages of 13 and 18 who live or study in Fairfield or New Haven County.

Contestants must be prepared to perform one movement of a concerto plus a work from a contrasting composer period and tempo. Total performance time for both pieces is 12 minutes at the preliminaries and 15 minutes at the finals.

Contestants must supply their own accompanist. Comments from the panel of professional judges will be available to each contestant.

Students are urged to apply early, as audition space is limited to the first 25 applicants. The deadline for filing an application is January 3.

Applications may be obtained through the symphony office by calling 203-576-0263 or online at www.BridgeportSymphony.org.