[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        THE RETIREMENT OF SPEIGHT JENKINS FROM THE SEATTLE OPERA

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                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 2014

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to offer special recognition 
to my constituent, the esteemed Speight Jenkins, on the occasion of his 
retirement from Seattle Opera. Throughout his 31 years as General 
Director, Mr. Jenkins' passion for the arts and energetic leadership 
style have been instrumental in the Opera's success. Under his steady 
guidance, Seattle Opera captured national and international attention 
and significantly raised the city's profile as an arts destination. 
Notably, Mr. Jenkins helped to intensify Seattle Opera's focus on 
Wagner, and presided over many superlative productions of the Wagner 
operas, which helped draw opera-lovers from all over the world. In 
fact, his captivating productions drew visitors to Seattle from all 50 
states and over 60 countries, generating increased tourism and 
strengthening the local economy. Over the course of his career with 
Seattle Opera, Mr. Jenkins produced an incredible 1,227 performances of 
92 operas, while missing only 6 performances.
   Locally, The Seattle Times named Mr. Jenkins one of the 150 most 
influential people who have shaped the character of Seattle and King 
County. Additionally, both the City of Seattle and King County 
proclaimed August 9, 2014 ``Speight Jenkins Day'' in recognition of his 
work. Nationally, the National Endowment for the Arts gave him an Opera 
Honors Award in 2011, and Opera News has called him one of the 25 
``most powerful'' names in American opera. His knowledge of opera has 
tremendous depth, and is reflected in Seattle Opera's many innovative 
productions, significant publications, and comprehensive educational 
services.
   An ardent lover of the arts, Speight Jenkins proudly served on the 
National Council on the Arts from 1996-2000 following his nomination by 
President Clinton, and has been a lifelong advocate for increased arts 
funding and opportunities on both a national and local level. He also 
played an important role in the creation of McCaw Hall, one of the 
nation's most beautiful and acoustically exceptional performance 
facilities.
   Speight Jenkins has been an invaluable asset to the Seattle arts 
community. His dedication to excellence with Seattle Opera and 
commitment to making the arts accessible provide a model for us all. 
The people of Seattle are grateful for the guidance and leadership he 
has shown and I join them in thanking Mr. Jenkins for his service and 
in wishing him all the best in his future endeavors.

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