Please meet Maestro Toshiyoki Shimada, a friend and former client of Polito & Harrington, who has left a lasting impression on our team, because of his gentle and kind demeanor, and because of the impact he has on our community.
Mr. Shimada is the Musical Director and Conductor of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra (ECSO), as well as the New Britain Symphony Orchestra, and, outside of Connecticut, the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes. Shimada is married to Eva Virsik, who is an accomplished concert pianist.
Throughout Shimada’s career in music, he has gathered a wealth of experience and knowledge. He shared that the most valuable lesson he has learned is, “In anything you do, you need to be perfectly prepared.”
This is an important year for Maestro Shimada! Not only is New Britian Symphony Orchestra celebrating its 75-year anniversary, but also, Mr. Shimada is being honored this year for his own important anniversary with the Eastern CT Symphony Orchestra. On April 11, ECSO will celebrate Maestro Shimada’s 15th anniversary as their Musical Director and Conductor, at their annual gala.
This year, the ECSO’s Gala theme is, “The Crystal Ball,” in honor of Maestro Shimada, with a nod to the traditional gift of crystal, given at fifteen-year anniversaries. The Crystal Ball event will feature a 3-course meal, drinks, beautiful music, and an exciting silent auction. (If you cannot attend, you can still participate in the auction!) To register for the auction, purchase tickets, or donate, please visit ecso.givesmart.com.
All proceeds from this event will go to ECSO and their mission to, “Inspire, educate, and connect our communities through live orchestral music.”
(Cited: “Mission,” March 20,2025. https://ectsymphony.com/about-the-ecso)