Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra

The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1946 by Norwegian immigrant, Victor Norman. The group was then known as the New London Civic Orchestra. Following frequent collaborations and a shared conductor and musicians with the Willimantic Community Orchestra, the two groups merged to form the Eastern Connecticut Symphony in 1954. Emeritus Music Director, Victor Norman, led the orchestra for the next 35 years, a period which saw tremendous growth of the group in all facets. During this period, the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus was established as well as the Youth Orchestra, both in 1967. The budget multiplied many times over as more concerts were added and eventually all musicians in the orchestra were paid professionals.