[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CLEVELAND 
                           WOMEN'S ORCHESTRA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 13, 2010

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
the 75th anniversary of the Cleveland Women's Orchestra, the oldest 
women's orchestra in the United States. I also rise in recognition of 
its founder, Mr. Hyman Schandler. With the help of his beloved wife 
Rebecca, Mr. Schandler created an opportunity for women musicians to 
perform professionally.
  Mr. Schandler was a violin teacher who became inspired by the 
exceptional talent of his female students. He rallied the support of 
his friends and colleagues and founded the Cleveland Women's Orchestra 
in 1935. After receiving rave reviews by all three local newspapers for 
its debut concert at Severance Hall, the Women's Orchestra became a 
fixture of the community.
  Mr. Schandler served as both the conductor and the music director at 
the orchestra for 55 years until he passed in 1990 at the age of 90. 
Subsequently, Robert L. Conquist was named Music Director and has held 
the position ever since. Mr. Conquist, a life-long friend of Mr. 
Schandler, has maintained the rich traditions of the Cleveland Women's 
Orchestra.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in honor and celebration of the 
Cleveland Women's Orchestra. After 75 years, the orchestra still 
provides talented women musicians with performance opportunities; 
provides the community with special events programs; provides free 
``Gift of Music'' concerts on a regular basis; and plays an anniversary 
concert at Severance Hall every year. The Cleveland Women's Orchestra 
is a vibrant organization that enriches all our lives through the 
universal language of music.

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