[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 131 (Friday, October 1, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2000-E2001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO BLANCHE MOYSE ON HER 90TH BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. BERNARD SANDERS

                               of vermont

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 1999

  Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Blanche Moyse, 
from Brattleboro, Vermont, on the celebration of her 90th birthday. 
Thirty years ago, Blanche founded the New England Bach Festival and has 
served as conductor since that founding. Ms. Moyse has made it possible 
for people from all over

[[Page E2001]]

the world to come to Vermont year after year, and under the spectacular 
canopy of autumn, be enriched by both her art and her person.
  If Blanche, or ``the Blanche'' as some affectionately call her, had 
done nothing but be ousted at 16 from Conservatory violin competitions 
to give others a chance; survive WWII in mid France; move a household 
to South America one year to North America the next in search of work 
and peace; change artistic direction at 40 because of an increasingly 
uncooperative bow arm, and awaken a sleepy New England hamlet to the 
joys of music, she would be a remarkable person. But in fact, Blanche 
has done much more: She has managed, throughout a life of tempest and 
tumult, to remain an eternal optimist, and to remain both inspired and 
inspiring! Thus, year after year musicians from near and far--old and 
new friends alike--say ``Yes'' to repeat requests for work and play. 
Year after year, the Blanche Moyse Chorale sings like a lark.
  Congratulations and thank you Blanche Moyse for your vision, for your 
tenacity, for your love of music and for your years of sharing. Happy 
Birthday.

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