Date: 2002-09-04
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I thank my friend for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker. I rise today as a proud sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 183. commending the United States Philharmonic Society for their commitment to promote musical excellence throughout the educational system. and to encourage people of all ages to commit to the joy and expression of musical performance. I believe that Americans should be encouraged to participate in music and art programs. Arts education programs. and specifically. music education programs. have a positive impact on the lives of our children. Music education is a valuable lesson that serves to enrich our Society. The United States Congressional Philharmonic Society plays an important role in accomplishing these goals. The United States Congressional Philharmonic Society has created its own unique mission. which promotes patriotism. freedom. democracy. and the understanding of American culture through sponsorship. management. and education. It has gained support through the international language of music in concerts and performances in the United States and throughout the world. Under the organization of Maestro Martin Piecuch. the Congressional Philharmonic has quickly established itself as a voice of freedom and democracy through the art of music. As the Music Director and Conductor of the Washington Symphony Orchestra. he has played a great role in the world of music for the citizens of Northern Virginia. He has served as resident conductor. orchestra manager. and chorus manager at Wolf Trap Farm Park for the Performing Arts. and has held the position of Music Conductor and Director for the Alexandria Choral Society. Maestro Piecuch can be credited with planting the seed when he directed the Broadway musical 1776 at DAR Constitution Hall in March of 1995. in which 12 Members of Congress played roles as Founding Fathers of our great Nation. With this the U.S. Congressional Choral Society was founded. and in May of 1998 the Congressional Choral Society debuted at St. Josephs Church right here on Capitol Hill. From this successful base came the idea for the creation of the U.S. Congressional Orchestra. which. together with the Choral Society. operates under the organization of the U.S. Congressional Philharmonic Society. Today. the U.S. Congressional Philharmonic. composed of Members. executives. and staffers on Capitol Hill. acts as an artistic voice for Congress. Created to honor the U.S. Congress. its Members. and constituents. the U.S. Congressional Philharmonic performs concerts all year round to salute our Nations States. to salute American heritage. our great American statesmen. and appropriate cultural programs at various holiday periods throughout the year. In addition to these commitments. it has developed many projects of its own to promote its premier causes. that include a concert series to promote democracy and peace throughout the world. Mr. Speaker. the United States Congressional Philharmonic Society is a living example of how our countrys principles of freedom and liberty can be showcased -for the entire world through music. I urge all Members to join me in supporting and commending the United States Congressional Philharmonic Society.