[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 87 (Friday, May 19, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF DAVID DiCHIERA FOR HIS LIFETIME OF ADVOCACY AND WORK 
                             WITH THE ARTS

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 19, 2017

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize David DiChiera 
for his outstanding legacy. As founder and artistic director of the 
Michigan Opera Theatre, Mr. DiChiera has built a culture of artistic 
excellence in Michigan.
  After earning a doctorate in musicology from UCLA, Mr. DiChiera 
joined the faculty of Oakland University in Michigan in 1962, where he 
was eventually elected chairman of the school's Department of Music. 
During his time, he also oversaw the Detroit Grand Opera Association's 
education initiative known as the Overture to Opera. Under the 
leadership of Mr. DiChiera, Overture to Opera began performing full-
length productions in 1970 and was officially reestablished as the 
Michigan Opera Theatre in 1971. The Michigan Opera Theatre has grown to 
become an internationally recognized institution that has brought 
world-class performances to Michigan while inspiring a new generation 
of artists and musicians. Mr. DiChiera had the vision to push for the 
restoration of the Detroit Opera House in 1996, and this effort played 
a critical role in revitalizing downtown Detroit. The Theatre has 
hosted renowned musicians like Luciano Pavarotti, as well as 
performances by the American Ballet Theater and other notable groups.
  Mr. DiChiera's lifetime of artistic advocacy and passion for theatre 
has been critical to the growth and development of the arts in 
southeast Michigan. His love of the arts has taught and inspired 
generations to appreciate the importance of the arts to a community. He 
also galvanized so many to experience the opera and engage with the 
arts for their entire lives. Throughout his career, Mr. DiChiera has 
received numerous accolades for his work, including the National 
Endowment for the Arts' Opera Honors award, as well as recognition by 
the governments of France and Italy. In addition to this outstanding 
record of achievement, Mr. DiChiera is well known in the Detroit 
community for his kindness and generosity. He has been a true champion 
for Michigan, and his energy and dedication to our state and the arts 
will be missed as he retires from his current position with the 
Michigan Opera Theatre.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring David 
DiChiera for his lifetime of work with the arts. Mr. DiChiera's work 
with the Michigan Opera Theatre has inspired generations of performers 
and helped the city understand the importance of arts in the community.

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