[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 63 (Thursday, May 16, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         PAYING TRIBUTE TO CARLOS ELIAS AND ANDREA ARESE-ELIAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to be able to recognize 
an amazing couple that resides in my district in Colorado. Carlos Elias 
and Andrea Arese-Elias of Grand Junction are amazing musicians who have 
taken their passion to the highest level. Through their hard work and 
dedication to perfection, they have achieved true excellence in their 
fields--Carlos on the violin and Andrea on the piano. In recognition of 
their talent and commitment, the couple has recently had the privilege 
of performing at Carnegie Hall.
  Carlos and Andrea began their career in their respective countries of 
El Salvador and Argentina. Carlos studied the violin at the National 
Center of the Arts in San Salvador, and at the age of 16, became the 
youngest violinist to enter the El Salvador Symphony Orchestra. In 
addition, in 1986 Carlos had the honor of representing El Salvador in 
the World Philharmonic Orchestra in Brazil. Carlos also holds many 
degrees in violin performance and artistry including a Master's Degree 
from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. Andrea 
began studying the piano at the Musical Conservatory in Argentina. She 
has been performing since the age of eleven and has her Masters and PhD 
from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music.
  After performing all over the world, the couple has settled down to 
raise their family in Grand Junction, Colorado, Carlos and Andrea are 
valued members of Mesa State College where Carlos is on the faculty of 
the Music Department. Carlos is the Director of Strings and the College 
Orchestra as well as Concertmaster of the Grand Junction Symphony 
Orchestra, providing his expertise and experience to the members of the 
orchestra. The couple also plays another important and vital role; they 
are the loving parents of two children, Briana who is five, and Melissa 
who is one and a half years old.
  Mr. Speaker, I imagine the chance to play Carnegie Hall is the dream 
of every musician and I am proud that Carlos Elias and Andrea Arese-
Elias's have had the opportunity to bask in this honor. They truly 
deserve this great opportunity and it is their hard work and dedication 
to achieving the highest level of excellence that I wish to bring to 
the attention of this body of Congress, and nation. Congratulations 
Andrea and Elias, and good luck in your future endeavors.

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