[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO FRANCESC DE PAULA SOLER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, November 20, 2004

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to once again acknowledge the 
gifted composer and musician Francesc de Paula Soler. On November 8, 
2004 he performed at the Library of Congress in an event sponsored by 
the Library's Hispanic Division. This special event was part of the 
celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which allows us to acknowledge 
our roots and celebrate the accomplishments of Hispanic-Americans in 
this great nation.
  Mr. Soler grew up in Spain and began classical guitar lessons at the 
age of 6. Under the tutelage of two legendary guitarists, Andres 
Segovia and Narciso Yepes, he received rigorous and intensive training 
with in classical guitar and has truly become a legend in his own 
right. Mr. Soler has played music halls and auditoriums throughout the 
United States and Europe, mesmerizing his audiences and earning the 
nickname ``The Poet of the Guitar.''
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Soler has graced us with his presence before, 
playing concerts at the Library of Congress that have both entertained 
us and lifted our spirits. I was very pleased that he returned to play 
for us this year and I hope he will continue to bless us with his 
amazing performances in the years to come. I ask that my colleagues 
once again join me in paying tribute to Mr. Francesc de Paula Soler.