Young Musicians Competition

Applications Are Available

BRIDGEPORT — Applications are available for the Greater Bridgeport Symphony’s Carlson-Horn Competition for Young Instrumentalists. The competition, now entering its 21st year, is open to all instrumentalists between the ages of 13 and 18 who live or study in Fairfield or New Haven counties. 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 limited to 15 minutes, and 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 7, 2002. Applications may be obtained through the symphony office by calling 203-576-0263.

The two-day event, which is being sponsored by a grant from the Greater Bridgeport Area Foundation, will take place on Saturday and Sunday, February 2 and 3, at The Jewish Center for Community Services in Bridgeport. The JCCS is also supporting this year’s contest by hosting the event in its newly renovated theater. Sunday’s finals will be open to the public with no admission charged.

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.

Further information and applications may be obtained by contacting the Greater Bridgeport Symphony office, 446 University Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604, or visiting the GBS website at www.BridgeportSymphony.org.