[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 26 (Thursday, March 10, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
     A TRIBUTE TO SPRINGFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 1994

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to the 
Springfield Symphony Orchestra's 50th anniversary. I would like to 
share with my colleagues the long legacy of the Springfield Symphony 
Orchestra. I am confident that upon hearing the history of the 
Springfield Symphony, you will all appreciate the magnificent 
contributions the symphony has given the people of western 
Massachusetts.
  Under the superb leadership of Mr. Alexander Leslie, the first 
conductor of the symphony, the Springfield Symphony performed its first 
concert on March 5, 1944. That night in the Springfield Municipal 
Auditorium, Alexander Leslie and his symphony began a forum of cultural 
enlightenment for the people of Springfield, that has since expanded 
throughout the region. Alexander Leslie had a vision that went well 
beyond the formation of a symphony. He realized the need for music 
education and enrichment for children. In cooperation with the 
Springfield Public Schools, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Western 
Massachusetts, and the Springfield City Library, Leslie Alexander began 
the Young People's Symphony in 1944. In 1948, Mrs. Douglas Wallace, a 
member of the board of directors, organized the Women's Symphony 
League. What had begun as another orchestra was quickly expanded to 
involve an entire community.
  The growth of the Springfield Symphony continued throughout the next 
40 years. The magnificent sounds of the symphony were heard throughout 
the state and the country. In recent years the Springfield Symphony has 
been heard by the National Public Radio, which extends to over 900,000 
listeners, and has provided western Massachusetts with outside summer 
concerts. The SSO has become the second largest professional orchestra 
in Massachusetts.
  This month, under the leadership of Maestro Raymond Harvey, current 
SSO board Chairman Ronald Weiss, President Peter Carando, and the many 
dedicated members of the board of directors, the Springfield Symphony 
Orchestra celebrates a half century of musical enjoyment and eagerly 
anticipates another 50 years of success and musical prosperity. I have 
enjoyed many wonderful evenings at the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, 
both as mayor of Springfield and Second District Congressman and am 
proud to be a longtime supporter. I wish everyone connected with the 
SSO many more years of fine music.

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