[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 900 Introduced in House (IH)]

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116th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 900

           Recognizing the 50th anniversary of OPERA America.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 12, 2020

 Ms. Pingree submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                  the Committee on Education and Labor

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
           Recognizing the 50th anniversary of OPERA America.

Whereas OPERA America was founded in 1970 to serve as the national champion for 
        opera and supports the interests of artists, administrators, educators, 
        trustees, and audiences;
Whereas OPERA America was launched by 20 companies now represented by Cincinnati 
        Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Kentucky Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, 
        Minnesota Opera, Mississippi Opera, New Orleans Opera, Opera Carolina, 
        Opera Omaha, Opera Philadelphia, Opera Saratoga, Pittsburgh Opera, San 
        Diego Opera, Seattle Opera, Tulsa Opera, and Washington National Opera;
Whereas OPERA America fosters collaboration across its membership of over 150 
        professional opera companies, 350 associated ensembles, businesses and 
        educational institutions, and thousands of individuals toward a shared 
        vision for the art form;
Whereas OPERA America opened the custom-built National Opera Center in New York 
        City in 2012 as its headquarters and home to the opera industry, serving 
        more than 80,000 individuals every year;
Whereas OPERA America represents the opera field in the District of Columbia, 
        advocating on Federal issues before Congress, the White House, and 
        Federal agencies in order to create a more supportive environment for 
        opera and all the arts;
Whereas OPERA America has provided more than $15,000,000 in grants to support 
        the creation and production of new operas in the United States and has 
        advanced the work of female composers and creators of color;
Whereas OPERA America has awarded over $5,000,000 in support of innovative 
        business and performance practices across the opera enterprise, with 
        emphasis on programs that help to recruit and retain audiences and 
        deepen their engagement with the art form;
Whereas OPERA America has stimulated the expanded civic practice of opera 
        companies of all sizes to increase their public value outside the walls 
        of opera houses and increase diversity and equity on stage, backstage, 
        among administrators and trustees, and in the audience;
Whereas OPERA America developed a landmark textbook and curriculum series that 
        transformed the educational practices of opera companies and their 
        school partners to increase the creative and expressive ability of 
        children of all ages;
Whereas OPERA America has recognized the talent of rising opera stage directors 
        and scenic designers and has provided learning opportunities for singers 
        and other artists at all levels of career achievement;
Whereas OPERA America is dedicated to improving the governance practices of 
        opera companies and developing the leadership skills of company 
        trustees; and
Whereas OPERA America has nurtured the careers of thousands of company leaders 
        and staff through professional development and mentorship programs and a 
        robust cycle of annual forums and national conferences: Now, therefore, 
        be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the 50th anniversary of OPERA America;
            (2) congratulates OPERA America for advancing the art form 
        and elevating the visibility of opera and opera companies 
        across the United States;
            (3) appreciates OPERA America's role as a major funder for 
        opera in the United States; and
            (4) expresses admiration for OPERA America's commitment to 
        enriching the lives of millions of Americans and providing a 
        source of inspiration for individual achievement and community 
        well-being.
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