[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 81 (Thursday, May 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E489-E490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARY GAY SCANLON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2022

  Ms. SCANLON. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a proud Pennsylvanian, 
and someone who has been a season ticket subscriber to the Philadelphia 
Orchestra for almost 40

[[Page E490]]

years, to share with my colleagues another important milestone for the 
Philadelphia Orchestra on the world stage.
  In close coordination with the Department of State's Bureau of 
Education and Cultural Affairs as well as our diplomats in Abu Dhabi, a 
delegation from the Philadelphia Orchestra made a historic trip to the 
United Arab Emirates in March.
  This coincided with the Dubai Expo and the anniversary of the 
establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the 
United Arab Emirates on March 20, 1972.
  The Philadelphia Orchestra has been one of the most well-traveled in 
the world. This commitment to cultural diplomacy dates to the end of 
World War II. Colleagues will remember the landmark visit to China 
orchestrated personally by President Nixon and Secretary Kissinger. 
More recently, the Orchestra has worked with our State Department 
diplomats to strengthen relations with countries as diverse as Mongolia 
and Israel.
  While on the ground, the musicians visited not only Abu Dhabi and 
Dubai, but also the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy. This was truly 
historic. In an increasingly complex world, this type of people-to-
people exchange is an incredibly important tool to amplify the work of 
our diplomats.
  As we stand shoulder to shoulder with our European allies, I look 
forward to celebrating the upcoming European tour this August and 
September. Once again, the Philadelphia Orchestra will serve as an 
important cultural ambassador for our country on the world stage.

                          ____________________