[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E254-E255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING THE STOCKTON SYMPHONY ON THEIR 
                            CENTENNIAL YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOSH HARDER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 2026

  Mr. HARDER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Stockton Symphony during its 
2026-2027 Centennial concert season. For a century, the Stockton 
Symphony has enriched the cultural life of Stockton and the Central 
Valley, bringing artistic excellence, educational opportunity, and 
community connection to generations of families.
  Founded in May 1926, the Symphony gave its inaugural performance 
during ``Music Week'' for the Stockton Musical Club. The orchestra was 
formed by twenty local musicians under the leadership of Manlio Silva--
an Italian immigrant, pharmacist by day and conductor by night--whose 
vision and dedication laid the foundation for one of California's 
oldest continuously operating professional orchestras. Just months 
later, in October 1926, the Symphony opened its first full season at 
the California Theater on Main Street, making high-quality musical 
performance accessible to the community. Silva continued to lead the 
orchestra until 1958, guiding it through decades of growth.
  In the years that followed, conductors including Horace Brown, Fritz 
Berens, and Ralph Matesky sustained the Symphony's legacy before Kyung-
Soo Won began a transformative 27-year tenure in 1967. Under his 
leadership, the orchestra evolved from a community ensemble into a 
fully professional organization of ``metropolitan'' status as 
recognized by the League of American Orchestras.
  Since 1995, Maestro Peter Jaffe has led the Stockton Symphony in a 
period of continued artistic achievement and national recognition. 
Through acclaimed world premieres, composer residencies, and vibrant 
educational programs such as Harmony Stockton, Steppin' Out, and Magic 
of Music, the Symphony has strengthened its role as both a cultural 
anchor and an educational leader. Collaborations with local schools, 
colleges, arts organizations, and community groups continue to ensure 
that music remains accessible and inclusive for all.
  Today, the Stockton Symphony presents both Classical and Pops 
concerts, engages renowned guest artists and rising virtuosos, and 
remains steadfast in its mission to inspire joy and build community 
through the magic of music.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
Stockton Symphony on its Centennial Anniversary and in expressing our 
deep gratitude for 100 years of extraordinary service to the Central 
Valley. May the

[[Page E255]]

next century continue to uplift and unite our community through the 
power of music.

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