Established in 1997, the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra is Connecticut’s premier professional chamber orchestra, based in the Greater New Britain area, and dedicated to presenting both traditional and contemporary works to the public. As artists, the Virtuosi strive to be cultural leaders and teachers and to inspire our audiences to recognize the beauty and quality of classical music in any form.
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The Orchestra, led by founder and artistic director Adrian Sylveen, presents approximately ten critically acclaimed concert and opera programs each season. Virtuosi also presents eight school concerts for the New Britain Department of Education. The group performs thirty times a season in New Britain, Hartford, New London, Middletown, New York, and Waterbury. Virtuosi also presented occasional concerts in Mystic, Meriden, New York City, and Pennsylvania.
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The organization consists of approximately 27 professional musicians representing many nationalities.
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The mission of the CONNECTICUT VIRTUOSI CHAMBER ORCHESTRA has been to preserve and perpetuate the great traditions of chamber orchestral music through the expansion of the public performance season and educational programs, and by showcasing the excellence of regional and international talent.
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We find that performing in areas previously cut off from the arts or historically underserved allows for a re-invigoration of those towns and cities. The Virtuosi’s series of free children’s concerts and Virtuosi-affiliated educational programs continue to impact young people’s lives. The goal of these programs is to leave them encouraged and inspired to pursue music in their lives. Furthermore, we often find that it is the student’s only opportunity to see a live orchestra performance. These educational programs include the Virtuosi’s New Britain school concerts, CT Virtuosi’s Summer Music Institute at Tunxis, and the Virtuosi Academy (also at Tunxis). The Virtuosi Summer Music Institute and Virtuosi Academy, programs for aspiring young musicians, allow students to learn and perform essential pieces of classical music, thus allowing them to partake in the creation and appreciation of the art form.
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Throughout the year, CT Virtuosi collaborates with Central Connecticut State University, Connecticut Lyric Opera, Tunxis Community College, Middletown Concert Association, the Moniuszko Choir in New Britain, and the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford.
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In 2003 the Virtuosi became the permanent Orchestra of the New London-based Connecticut Lyric Opera. With the CLO, Virtuosi co-produces four fully staged opera productions per season.
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The orchestra continually expands the repertoire by including modern music and lesser-known classical compositions. It premiered works written for the Virtuosi by several Connecticut-based composers. Also, Virtuosi, in collaboration with the Connecticut Lyric Opera, performs “all-time favorites” operas by Puccini Verdi, Mozart, Strauss, Rossini, and many others.
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Virtuosi performs across many borders, especially with its various international efforts and programs in Israel and Italy. In 2015 Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra and Connecticut Lyric Opera co-initiated International Greve Opera Academy and Music Festival in Greve-In-Chianti, Italy. The program attracts opera and instrumental students from all continents. All international efforts have proved highly beneficial to the organization’s commitment to bringing the art of orchestral music to audiences throughout the state and providing opportunities to exceptionally talented local musicians.