[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SUPPORTING THE PHILADELPHIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA'S HISTORIC EUROPE AND 
                              ISRAEL TOUR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DWIGHT EVANS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2018

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise with great honor to salute the 
Philadelphia Orchestra on its upcoming historic tour through Europe and 
Israel. I have had the privilege of working to support them over the 
years during my time in the Pennsylvania Legislature, and now here in 
Congress. I can't think of a better cultural ambassador for our 
country, the Commonwealth, and our great city, than the finely-tuned 
Philadelphia Orchestra.
  With support from Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf's Department of 
Community and Economic Development and State Department diplomats, and 
more than 150 Pennsylvania musicians, non-profits, and business 
leaders, this historic journey starts in Brussels, Belgium, and will 
wind its way through Luxembourg, France, Germany, and Austria. These 
historic countries are iconic in their musical backgrounds, having 
given birth to such artists such as Beethoven, Brahms, Poulenc, Wagner, 
and Mozart.
  I take special pride in the Philadelphia Orchestra's visit to Israel, 
in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. This 
visit not only confirms and solidifies the distinct. and unique 
cultural, political, and humanitarian bond amongst the City of 
Philadelphia, the Jewish community, and the State of Israel. Israel and 
its people have been continually under siege for ages from the time of 
Judea to Sumeria, and by recognizing their dignity, honor, and courage, 
the Orchestra's visit serves to underscore how important Israel to the 
Middle East writ large, and to America. And let me add that the 
Philadelphia Orchestra should be noted for the diversity of its 
musicians and staff orchestra's diversity complements.
  I would like to give special recognition to the Philadelphia 
Orchestra's director, Yannick Nezet-Seguin, the chairman, Richard 
Worley, and the woman at the top who has helped forge ties both near 
and far, Philadelphia Orchestra Interim Co-Presidents Ryan Fleur and 
Matthew Loden. And I also wish to salute Naomi Adler, CEO of the Jewish 
Federation of Greater Philadelphia and Director of Government Affairs, 
Robin Schatz for their leadership, and special role in informing us on 
the unwavering dignity and humanity of Israel.
  I am proud to represent a city that boasts some of the most iconic 
music heard around the world. I salute our well-traveled Philadelphia 
Orchestra and look forward to my next symphony.

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