The Jerry Malafronte Music Scholarship was created in 1997 as a memorial to Jerry Malafronte, long-time friend and benefactor, who was killed in an auto accident in August of that year.  The scholarship is offered annually to a music student graduating from a public high school in the Town of Fairfield, Connecticut, with plans to continue music studies at the college or conservatory level.

In May of 2010, the Scholarship Committee, after auditioning all applicants, decided to present a $1000 award to soprano Erica Intilangelo following her beautiful rendition of Un bel di from Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.  Ms. Intilangelo is continuing her studies at the Mannes School of Music in New York City.

In a letter from Erica, she thanks Music for Youth for the Jerry Malafronte Music Scholarship and goes on to say, “I am truly honored to receive this award and very grateful for your support.  I promise to send an update about my musical experiences at Mannes and look forward to singing at your Benefit Concert in November.”

Violinist Gary Capozziello, the first Jerry Malafronte Scholarship winner in 1998 received his Bachelor’s degree from the Music Conservatory at Purchase College and a Master’s degree from the New England Conservatory.  He is now concertizing and teaching violin at the Suzuki School in Norwalk, Connecticut.