New Britain Symphony Orchestra

Mission:
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.
History:
The New Britain Symphony Orchestra proudly marks its 61st anniversary season in 2009-2010, performing for the residents of New Britain and the surrounding towns of central Connecticut and Greater Hartford.
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.
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.