[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 98 (Thursday, June 15, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          CARAMOOR TESTIMONIAL

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                           HON. SUE W. KELLY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 1995
  Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
pay tribute to one of the greatest treasures of my district as it 
celebrates its 50th anniversary; Caramoor Center for Music and the 
Arts.
  Located in Katonah, NY, the vision of Caramoor began in the New York 
City townhouse of Walter and Lucie Rosen. Avid collectors of 
renaissance and oriental art, as well as accomplished musicians, the 
Rosen home was host to many of New York's most prominent performers and 
cultural patrons. Upon the completion of their weekend home in Katonah, 
the Rosen's moved both their vast collection of art work and their 
tradition of presenting intimate concerts, to their new home. Upon the 
death of their son in World War II, the Rosen's bequeathed Caramoor 
``as a Center for Music and the Arts for the Town of Bedford and the 
State of New York'' thereby giving us the gift of a haven, comprised of 
aesthetic pleasures that serve to uplift the human spirit.
  The first formal musical offerings at Caramoor, began 50 years ago as 
a series of concerts and recitals that were presented in both the grand 
music room and the Spanish courtyard of the main house. In 1958, the 
construction of an outdoor Venetian theater, allowed for the expansion 
of these programs as well as audiences providing a venue for the 
presentation of orchestral and opera performances on a larger scale.
  Building upon this tradition, Caramoor has become a mainstay on the 
international music scene. Now home to an 8 week music festival that, 
under the leadership of Howard Herring and the artistic direction of 
Andre Previn, has attracted such starts as: James Gallway, Barbara 
Cook, Sylvia McNair, and Yo-Yo Ma as well as many of the most promising 
musicians of the next generation through its rising stars program. 
Caramoor rightly deserve the New York Times assessment deeming it ``the 
loveliest musical festival of them all.'' From the intimacy of the 
Baroque period, to the rousing notes of Count Bassie, the concerts of 
Caramoor account for a wide variety of musical tastes and have educated 
and inspired generations.
  Situated on 100 acres of woodlands, lawns and exquisite formal 
gardens, the Caramoor experience is unique in that it removes many of 
the facades that often accompany such offerings, and allows audiences 
to convene with nature while enjoying music in its purest form. With 
recent additions such as the Touch Tour of the Museum House and the 
Marjorie Carr Adams Sense Circle, a garden comprised of different 
aromatics, sounds and textured grasses designed especially to maximize 
the enjoyment of the visually impaired, mentally and physically 
challenged as well as children, Caramoor remains committed to ensuring 
the accessibility of its spirit to all.
  Whether strolling through the gardens, picnicking in the orchard or 
listening to harmonies under the stars, Caramoor allows people to lose 
themselves in the moment, and to regain a sense of serenity and peace 
in their lives.
  It has often been said that music is food for the soul; may Caramoor 
continue to provide us with nourishment for another 50 years.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to salute all of those who have built and 
maintain this national treasure.


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