[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 24, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E766]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





              RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF JACK RIDDLE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHELLIE PINGREE

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2024

  Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a visionary 
leader who has dedicated his career to advocacy for the arts in Maine. 
Throughout his career, Jack Riddle has worked tirelessly to elevate 
opera in Maine, ensuring the artform is accessible and inclusive to 
all. He has made certain that Mainers, and visitors alike, have the 
opportunity to connect with this historic tradition of storytelling 
through music and song.
  In 1994, Jack co-founded Opera Maine, the state's only professional 
opera company, with a dream of providing high-quality opera productions 
to the people of Maine. Though our state did not yet have an 
established opera community at that time, Jack believed in his vision 
of establishing a local company that would showcase nationally 
recognized singers and composers. As the former president of the 
Portland Symphony Orchestra, Jack possessed a strong background in arts 
leadership and marketing in New England. His skills and experience were 
essential to Opera Maine's founding.
  As the company grew, Jack served as a trusted board member and the 
principal fundraiser, securing major gifts and guiding the board 
through a recession and a pandemic. Jack's unwavering passion and 
energy have been essential to the growth and success of the 
organization. And the calculated risks he has taken over the years for 
the advancement of the artform, remaining steadfast in his eternal 
optimism about the importance of opera, have been critical to growing 
the audiences.
  For more than 35 years, Jack has worked to expand the opera community 
in Maine, ensuring that it is affordable and accessible to all. From 
including contemporary works in English, to providing no- to low-cost 
tickets for all Opera Maine productions and programs for anyone under 
age 25, active-duty and retired military and first responders, and 
their families, the company has brought new audiences and appreciators 
to opera. Opera Maine has also led free in-school programming across 
the state, teaching thousands of students about the fundamentals of 
opera.
  Additionally, Jack has worked to strengthen Opera Maine's Studio 
Artist Program, which provides annual trainings and performance 
opportunities for emerging and professional artists seeking opera 
careers.
  Jack Riddle's enthusiasm, vision, and commitment to Maine's vibrant 
arts community make me very proud to represent him and the State of 
Maine in Congress. I wish him continued success, and I thank him for 
his many years of influential work.

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