[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 72 (Wednesday, June 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE SAN LUIS OBISPO VOCAL ARTS ENSEMBLE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 2002

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to Join me 
in honoring the San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble for the significant 
contributions their performances have made to the international 
community for a quarter of a century. This year marks the 25th 
Anniversary of the founding of this remarkable group. Their singing has 
created memorable experiences for countless listeners in America and 
around the globe.
  Founded in 1977, the Vocal Arts Ensemble's first international 
concert was held in 1985 at Canterbury Cathedral. During this tour, the 
group was awarded third place at the Llangollen International Musical 
Eisteddfod in Wales. The group participated in a tour throughout 
Eastern Europe during which Ensemble members lived in the homes of 
Polish hosts for one week, gaining a greater insight into the lives of 
Eastern Europeans.
  The San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble was chosen by audition to be 
one of the world's finest choirs selected to represent their countries 
at the 35th Austrian Invitational Choral Competition. Out of eighty 
choirs from thirty different countries, the Vocal Arts Ensemble proudly 
placed fourth in this event.
  The Vocal Arts Ensemble is comprised of singers throughout the San 
Luis Obispo County. Singers come from San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, 
Creston, Paso Robles, Cambria, Santa Margarita, Atascadero, Santa 
Maria, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Lompoc and Pismo Beach.
  The San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble has been funded in part by 
the California Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. 
The California Arts Council Grant Evaluation and Selection Committee 
described the music of the Vocal Arts Ensemble as ``. . . truly 
superior and extremely fine quality.'' The Committee said the 
Ensemble's music demonstrated ``an extraordinary breadth of repertory, 
an eclectic variety of choral styles.'' On June I and 2, the Vocal Arts 
Ensemble performed music from the Renaissance to the present to 
commemorate their 25th Anniversary. I am proud to congratulate them on 
this remarkable record of achievement.

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