Our People
The Orchestra
The New Britain Symphony players are professional musicians who reside in the region. Many of these individuals play with other regional orchestras as well and teach at area schools, such as the Hartt School at the University of Hartford and Central Connecticut State University. When necessary, the NBSO hires students from area music schools such as Hartt and the Yale School of Music to fill out the roster for a particular concert.
Walter Gibson is the Orchestra Manager /Librarian of the New Britain Symphony Orchestra.
Julian Pellicano, Conductor of 2011 Young People’s Concert
* The administrative offices of the NBSO are located at: 114 West Main Street, Suite 304, New Britain, CT 06051. However, all mail should be sent to the NBSO at P.O. Box 1253, New Britain, CT 06051.
History of the
New Britain Symphony Orchestra
During the 2010-2011 season, the New Britain Symphony will present a delightful collection of FREE small chamber ensemble concerts as well as the Symphony’s annual youth concert for 1,800 fifth grade students.
During the 2010-2011 season, the Board of Directors and stakeholders are studying how best to continue the Symphony’s proud 62-year history, given the considerable financial pressures of operating a small, regional orchestra. While the Board and stakeholders are studying various ideas for the future of the Symphony, the Symphony is presenting a season focused on education, youth and families, which will also include some excellent musical entertainment for our adult audiences.
Today, the New Britain Symphony looks back with pride on its 62-year history of performing excellence and with thanks for the many music professionals and volunteers who were responsible for the successes of the past.
In 1948, several faculty members at the former Teacher’s College, now Central Connecticut State University, got together to plan and form an orchestra in New Britain. The Orchestra performed its first concert under the direction of Dr. Etzel Willhoit, President of the College. The Orchestra was organized legally as the New Britain Symphony Society, Inc. in 1952 by Helen Kilduff, supervisor of music in the New Britain schools.
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After Dr. Willhoit retired in 1967, the Orchestra appointed Jerome Laszloffy as its second Music Director. Laszloffy conducted the orchestra for the next 38 years and is currently Music Director Laureate. Following Laszloffy’s retirement, Jesse Levine succeeded Laszloffy as Music Director. Levine became ill, and at the beginning of the 2008-2009 season, recommended Maurice Peress as a guest conductor to take over for the remainder of the season. Maestro Levine passed away in November, 2009. In April, 2009, the NBSO appointed Maestro Peress the fourth Music Director of the New Britain Symphony Orchestra.
Mission Statement
The mission of the New Britain Symphony Orchestra is to perpetuate the rich tradition of live symphonic music by presenting concerts of a high caliber performed by a professional orchestra, and to provide related education and enrichment activities, thereby contributing to the quality of life for people of all ages and ethnicities in Central Connecticut.
Board of Directors
Nancy Judd, President
Peter Knaus, Executive VP
Soll Levine, Treasurer
Barbara Miller, Secretary
Joan Durham
Joyce Dyson
Gilbert Gigliotti
Carol Huber
Dieter Johannes
Dr. Richard Judd
Ian Lucas
Elizabeth Nkonoki-Ward
Jason Pearl, Esq.
Martha Perry
Michael E. Schroeder
Directors Emeriti
Elizabeth Elia
Paul Gianaris
Phyllis Hjerpe
Norman Holland
Barbara Kirejcyk
Melanie McCue
Leonard Nelson
Paul Salina
Sandra Clark, Executive Assistant
