[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 79 (Friday, June 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1051]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE METROPOLITAN CHORUS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2002

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of The Metropolitan Chorus (TMC), a community symphonic 
chorus located in Arlington, Virginia. This season marks the 35th 
anniversary of the organization's founding.
  As the only community symphonic chorus based in Arlington County, TMC 
remains a visible force in Virginia's 8th Congressional District and 
plays a leading role in the cultural life of the region. This 90-member 
chorus offers residents the opportunity to perform a wide range of 
music, with pieces spanning the Renaissance period through the 21st 
century.
  In the wake of the tragic events of September 11th, the TMC provided 
assistance to grieving citizens by organizing and conducting the Chorus 
and the Arlington Symphony Orchestra in Arlington's Day of Remembrance 
and Appreciation. Featuring many local and state dignitaries, the 
tribute honored the victims and emergency rescue personnel of the 
Pentagon attack. This rousing event lifted the spirits of all who were 
in attendance.
  Under 26 years of outstanding direction by Artistic Director Barry 
Hemphill, the TMC has performed in a colorful array of venues from the 
Kennedy Center to Constitution Hall and in various locations throughout 
the world. A number of these shows were performed for free and given at 
special early times specifically for the elderly. Through actions such 
as these, TMC has proven its dedication to the development and 
promotion of the performing arts in Northern Virginia.
  I applaud TMC's many contributions and wish them all the best at 
their season ending performance on June 24, 2002 at Lubber Run 
Amphitheater in Arlington Virginia capping off a highly successful 35th 
Anniversary season.

                          ____________________