Since 1979, annually, in May, the New Britain Symphony Orchestra holds auditions for the Helen Kilduff-Elizabeth Elia Scholarship of one thousand dollars ($1,000), which is awarded to a high school senior in New Britain, Berlin, or Plainville who has been accepted by an institution of higher learning with a major in music.
The purpose of the scholarship award is to encourage a talented student who has been accepted by an institution of higher learning to major in music.
2026 Helen Kilduff-Elizabeth Elia Music Scholarship Recipient
The New Britain Symphony Orchestra is proud to congratulate Gretchen Perrault of Berlin High School as the recipient of the 2026 Helen Kilduff-Elizabeth Elia Music Scholarship. Gretchen will be attending the University of Hartford, where she plans to major in Acoustical Engineering and Music. We are honored to support her as she pursues her passion for music and academic excellence, and we wish her every success in this next exciting chapter.
Congratulations, Gretchen!
2026 Applicant Requirements
- Display outstanding proficiency on an orchestral instrument or with voice.
- Be a graduating high school senior from the New Britain, Berlin, Newington, or Plainville schools.
- Intend to pursue a college degree with a major in music.
- Complete and send an application form, two (2) letters of recommendation, and a copy of a letter-of-acceptance by a college.
- Audition two prepared pieces of the applicant’s choice before a panel of judges, with a maximum time limit of 10 minutes.
EMAIL
newbritainsymphony@gmail.com
TRADITIONAL MAIL
New Britain Symphony 2026 Scholarship Applications
PO BOX 1253
New Britain, CT 06050-1253
Applicant Audition date: June 2, 2026
In person auditions as noted below.
- Applicants must perform two musical pieces of their choice.
- Auditions held before a panel of judges. Participants must provide their own accompanist when needed.
- Maximum time allowed for each audition will be ten minutes.
- Judges will consider musicianship, technique, tone, and interpretation.
