[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 121 (Tuesday, July 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING KENNETH FREED

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ILHAN OMAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 2025

  Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
my constituent, Kenneth Freed.
  Mr. Freed devoted his life to his family, his community, and his love 
of classical music. He started his career as a professional musician 
with the Manhattan String Quartet before relocating to Minnesota and 
earning a coveted position as violist with the Minnesota Orchestra, 
where he served for 27 years. Whether with the Minnesota Orchestra or 
on his own, Mr. Freed shared his love of music across Cuba, Europe, 
South Africa, and Vietnam, where he performed, gave lessons, and made 
new friends. Simultaneously, Mr. Freed served as the music director of 
the Mankato Symphony Orchestra and played viola with the Rosalyra 
String Quartet and the Isles Ensemble.
  Mr. Freed also devoted himself to inspiring a love for classical 
music in younger generations. He co-founded the non-profit Learning 
through Music, which helped children improve their academic abilities 
through music. He helped secure state funding for music education in 
schools across Minnesota, and especially in communities struggling with 
historic disinvestment.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the life of Mr. Kenneth 
Freed alongside his family and friends.

                          ____________________