[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 30, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E48]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING EDNA GARABEDIAN, BORIS NIXON, AND DIANE NIXON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 30, 2001

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Edna Garabedian, 
Boris Nixon, and Diane Nixon for their contributions to the California 
Opera Association.
  The California Opera Association was incorporated as a California 
non-profit corporation May 4, 2000. The association is dedicated to 
enhance public awareness of the role of arts in California through 
activities and services in the field. In addition to forming 
partnerships with community organizations, California Opera Association 
will participate in local, regional, national and international events 
designed to enhance good will and to support and encourage civic and 
community growth.
  Edna Garabedian is one of the founding directors of the California 
Opera Association. She is a world-renowned Mezzo-Soprano who has 
performed throughout the U.S. and Europe. Ms. Garabedian was the 
founder of the Fresno International Grand Opera and has held the 
distinction of chairperson of voice and opera at several major 
universities.
  Boris Nixon is a featured cellist with the Fresno Philharmonic 
Orchestra. He has performed with various symphony orchestras throughout 
the United States and he is also one of the founding directors of the 
California Opera Association. Mr. Nixon has collaborated with the Music 
Performance Trust Fund of America and Young Audiences of America to 
stress the importance of keeping music in the schools and expanding 
work and career opportunities for professional musicians.
  Diane Nixon is an educator and musician, who is currently completing 
her pre-med requirements to become a physician. Ms. Nixon is also a 
founding director of the California Opera Association and has traveled 
extensively throughout the United States and Europe attending and 
studying International Operas and Special Arts Festivels for the 
disabled. Her goal is to focus on integrating and embracing the often-
neglected populations, such as the disabled, disadvantaged and elderly, 
into the creation and consumption of the performing arts.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Edna Garabedian, Boris Nixon and 
Diane Nixon for their contributions to the California Opera 
Association. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Ms. Garabedian, 
Mr. Nixon and Ms. Nixon many more years of continued success.




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