[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 182 (Thursday, November 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2198-E2199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAESTRO VICTOR NORMAN

                                 ______


                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 16, 1995

  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, November 18, Maestro Victor 
Norman will celebrate his 90th birthday by conducting his beloved 
creation, the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, for one last 
time. Maestro Norman planted the seeds of the organization nearly 50 
years ago.
  Victor Norman was born in Norway and graduated from the Royal Music 
Conservatory in Copenhagen. After continuing his music education at the 
Mozarteum Academy, Salzburg, Ecole Normale de Music in Paris, and Paolo 
Delachi, Milano, Italy, he came to this country in 1940 and received 
his master of arts degree from the University of Connecticut. He was 
the assistant to Fritz Busch, conductor of the Danish State Radio 
Symphony and accompanied him to the Glyndebourne Opera Festival England 
as an assistant conductor.
  In 1946 Maestro Norman founded the New London Civic Orchestra. After 
becoming conductor of the Willimantic Symphony, the two orchestras 
merged in 1952 forming the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra. He 
remained at its helm in the lean years and resisted any suggestion of 
disbanding. As a result of his vision and persistence, several 
successful programs were spawned as a result: Music for Children, the 
ECS Youth Orchestra, the ECSO Chorus, the Young Artist Award 
competition, and the award winning Edward MacDowell Festival of 
American Music.
  Maestro Norman was the organist and choir director at Congregational 
Beth-El for 46 years 

[[Page E 2199]]
and regional director of the metropolitan opera auditions for 10 years. 
Additionally, he served on the New London Board of Education and worked 
as supervisor of administration in the education department of General 
Dynamics Electric Boat Division. Not content with a leisurely 
retirement, Maestro Norman also cofounded the William Billings 
Institute of American Music, lectured at the University of Connecticut, 
and 7 years ago founded the National Senior Symphony from which he 
retired as conductor emeritus.
  The citizens of the Second Congressional District of Connecticut owe 
a great debt of gratitude to the accomplishments and contributions of 
Maestro Norman. His influence has been felt nationwide with his direct 
contract with orchestras throughout the country. He will be sorely 
missed as he moves to New Jersey to live with his son. His rich legacy 
will be cherished by generations to come. Best of luck and happy 
birthday.

                          ____________________