[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 31 (Thursday, March 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E348-E349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO ROBERT HARTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 10, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to pay 
tribute to the memory and life of Robert Harth. Robert's gift and 
legacy to Colorado will be the Aspen Music Festival and School, which 
he deftly guided for twelve years as president and chief executive 
officer. His recent and all-too sudden death at

[[Page E349]]

age forty-seven is a great loss to music lovers worldwide, but those 
who knew him will not forget the joy and zest he had for life.
  Robert was a natural leader who brought success and renown to the 
organizations he directed. In his early twenties, he served as vice 
president and general manager for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. By the 
time he was thirty-three, he took over the AMFS as president, and 
switched it from a fledgling event to one of the premier cultural 
festivals in the country. Most recently, he served as artistic director 
for Carnegie Hall, adding a new venue for more progressive 
performances.
  During his twelve years with AMFS, Robert quadrupled the size of its 
endowment. This allowed for his undertaking the building of the Harris 
Hall and the Benedict Music Hall. He also established the American 
Academy of Conductors at Aspen, which provides opportunities for up and 
coming conductors from around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, Robert Harth's death is a great loss to the Aspen 
community and for music lovers worldwide. It is my honor to pay tribute 
before this body of Congress and this nation to the life and legacy of 
Robert Harth.

                          ____________________