[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 169 (Tuesday, September 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE 75TH SEASON OF THE GENESEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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                           HON. CHRIS JACOBS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2021

  Mr. JACOBS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Genesee Symphony Orchestra on its 75th consecutive season.
  One of the oldest civic orchestras in New York State, the Genesee 
Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1947 as the Batavia Civic Orchestra, 
with a mission to enrich the local community with high-quality 
performances, educational opportunities, and guest artists. Under the 
leadership of its three founders, Mr. Norman Hall, Mr. Hugh Lawing, and 
Dr. Biagio Mansuetto, the orchestra performed its first concert at the 
Dipson Theatre in Batavia, New York on November 6, 1947. Under the 
direction of conductor Jan Wolanek, the concert was played to a sell-
out crowd of 1,400 people. As the orchestra became more popular and its 
influence grew beyond the city of Batavia, in 1958 its management 
changed the orchestra's name to the Genesee Symphony Orchestra.
  The Genesee Symphony Orchestra has been an important institution 
within the surrounding community since its founding, including in 
recent years. In addition to its annual concerts, the Genesee Symphony 
Orchestra holds an annual ``Young Artists Competition,'' allowing high 
school students to compete for the opportunity to perform with the 
orchestra. The orchestra also holds an annual ``Meet the Orchestra'' 
event and a ``String Workshop.''
  The Genesee Symphony Orchestra is proud to have hosted a wide array 
of talented individuals during its 75-year history, including fifteen 
renowned conductors and hundreds of musicians. The orchestra has 
welcomed musical talent ranging from world-class artists and composers, 
to more locally known soloists.
  I thank all musicians, conductors, and members of the Board of 
Directors for their unwavering commitment to bringing arts, culture, 
and entertainment to Western New York, and I again congratulate the 
orchestra on its 75th anniversary.

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