[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 41 (Friday, March 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REOPENING OF THE SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY

                                 ______


                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 22, 1996

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the revival of the San 
Diego Symphony Orchestra on March 15, 1996. Two months ago, the 
orchestra was silenced--and there appeared to be little hope for its 
restoration.
  The orchestra's reawakening was the result of generous gifts from the 
Price Charities and the Jacobs Family Trust, an outburst of support 
from the community as a whole, and most of all from the musicians of 
the San Diego Symphony. Not only did each musician forgo more than 
$2,700 in lost salary, but their work and dedication to their 
institution inspired community support.
  Although not all of my constituents attend the San Diego Symphony, 
even those who stay at home made very clear their belief that San Diego 
needs a great professional orchestra. Every major metropolitan area in 
this country has such an institution at the heart of its musical life. 
San Diego Symphony Orchestra musicians teach our children how to play 
musical instruments and provide our children's first exposure to 
serious music. Symphony musicians play for other artistic institutions 
in the community, such as opera and ballet companies, and perform in 
our schools, churches, and synagogues, making all of them shine with 
their professionalism. And the symphony brings our downtown to life at 
night providing lifeblood to many businesses.
  The San Diego Symphony Orchestra is as important to our community's 
health as are the Chargers, the Padres, first-rate hospitals, and our 
major institutions of learning. The San Diego Symphony has not only 
provided San Diego with great music, but has brought great musicians to 
live in our community and, through its internationally recognized 
recordings, has let the world know that San Diego is not only a great 
place to visit, but is one of America's great cities.
  That is why I have consistently fought for support of the arts. The 
arts are a vital part of the American adventure and a major American 
industry. Support for the arts not only enriches us spiritually; it is 
a wonderful investment in our economy and in our children. In this era 
of global competition, in no area do we compete more effectively than 
in the arts.
  Let us hope that the generosity of the Jacobs Family Trust and the 
Price Charities and the dedication, generosity, and solidarity of the 
musicians will allow the San Diego Symphony to serve all the residents 
of the San Diego area for many more decades of excellence.

                          ____________________