[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 172 (Thursday, November 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2834]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           GUISEPPE TAORMINA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. McMAHON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2009

  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Giuseppe Taormina. 
His powerful voice, passion and talent make him the true ``King of High 
C.''
  Mr. Taormina was born in Palermo, Sicily, Italy. He started voice 
training at a very young age and began performing in Sicily. When he 
arrived in the United States, he immediately auditioned for the 
Metropolitan Opera Company, where he was accepted into the Young Artist 
Program. Because of his beautiful voice, he received two scholarships 
as primo tenore while at Hunter College.
  Most notably, Mr. Taormina is the only person in the United States 
who has received the prestigious honor of Necklace Knight, ``Cavaliere 
di Collona'' and the noble title of Saint George in Carinzia Supreme 
Military Order.
  Mr. Taormina has had the honor to perform for the Kings of Yugoslavia 
and Bulgaria, as well as Imelda Marcos, the former First Lady of the 
Philippines. He has also traveled to the far corners of the world 
spreading his passion for music with the ``Ambassadors of Opera.''
  On November 1st, Mr. Taormina performed at the 48th Annual Mario 
Lanza Ball, where he was the evening's special guest tenor. Mr. 
Taormina helped celebrate the life and career of Mario Lanza. His one 
of a kind tenor voice is a great tribute to a star that left us far to 
soon.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the 
talent and accomplishments of Giuseppe Taormina.

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