[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 5, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S5867]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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              TRIBUTE TO 100 YEARS OF THE OREGON SYMPHONY

 Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, I am pleased to share with my 
colleagues today a piece of history that is being realized in Oregon 
this year. The celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Oregon 
Symphony is truly a grand accomplishment. The Oregon Symphony has 
entertained, hosted, and delighted audiences all over the world, myself 
included.
  In 1896 the Portland Symphony Society was founded, with the first 
symphony conducted by W.H. Kinross performing in October of that same 
year. Now, 100 years later and still going strong, the symphony is the 
sixth oldest symphony in the United States, and the oldest symphony 
west of the Mississippi River.
  The Oregon Symphony is truly that, a symphony for all of Oregon to 
enjoy. The symphony is not confined to its home in downtown Portland. 
It is not confined by the glorious Cascade mountain range. What makes 
this symphony so unique is the ability it has to reach out to all of 
the citizens of Oregon. The symphony plays in front of audiences in 
school gymnasiums, parks, and small auditoriums. Wherever there is a 
demand in the State for the Oregon Symphony, the symphony will go.
  Recently the symphony played in a full gymnasium in Burns, OR. This 
small community with a population of 2,880, is located in the remote 
eastern high desert portion of the State. The town of Burns 
enthusiastically welcomed the symphony. The townspeople gladly rolled 
up their sleeves and with their own hands built a proper stage for the 
symphony members in the schools gymnasium. The town of Burns sold 760 
tickets for the event, a complete sellout. This concert is a true 
testimony to what the symphony means to the citizens of Oregon.
  When the symphony cannot travel, it often makes arrangements for free 
concerts in Portland. The symphony routinely plays for schoolchildren 
from all over the State in the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 
showcasing their talents and educating the children in the arts.
  One of the greatest moments in the history of the symphony was in 
1980 with the appointment of Maestro James DePreist as music director 
and conductor. Under Maestro DePreist the Symphony is no longer made up 
of volunteer musicians, the symphony now draws some of the finest 
professional musicians in the country. In 1987 the professionalism of 
the symphony shone through as they released their first recording.
  Today, the Oregon Symphony is truly something to be proud of.
  Whether playing in front of a sold out audience in a high school gym 
in Burns, OR, or in the elegant surroundings of the Arlene Schnitzer 
Concert Hall, the symphony amazes and entertains crowds with a 
triumphant and magnificent sound. I would like to thank the Oregon 
Symphony, and wish it 100 more glorious years.

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