[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21167]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE CAMELLIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
award-winning Camellia Symphony Orchestra as it begins its 40th season 
in Sacramento, California. For four decades, this organization has been 
a crucial part of cultural life in California's capital city.
  One of the nation's outstanding community orchestras, the Camellia 
Symphony Orchestra is comprised of a wealth of dedicated musicians from 
the greater Sacramento area. The Orchestra was established to provide 
an opportunity for Sacramento area musicians to express their many 
talents and musical interests. The musicians all share a common 
commitment to the mission of the Orchestra--to present concerts and 
programs of high artistic merit, and to foster community involvement 
through education and outreach activities.
  The Orchestra provides opportunities for people of all ages to learn 
about, participate in, and attend events that enrich the quality of 
life. Their creative programs expose children to new forms of music in 
a joyful manner that encourages the learning process.
  Under the leadership of Conductor Eugene F. Castillo, the Orchestra 
has challenged audiences to explore the connections between music and 
society, as well as art and everyday life. The Orchestra often 
premieres new compositions, or presents traditional pieces in a 
different way, symbolizing the diversity of the community.
  This past summer, the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts here in 
Washington recognized Maestro Castillo as one of the most promising 
young conductors in America when he was selected for the highly 
competitive National Conducting Institute. The Washington Post 
described his Kennedy Center performance as having ``a beautifully 
gauged climactic build . . . [which Castillo] drove to the finale in an 
ecstatic white heat.''
  The citizens of Washington last summer caught a glimpse of what we in 
Sacramento have come to value for both his leadership and creative 
talent. Maestro Castillo is the first Filipino-American to be appointed 
music director in a major American metropolitan city. Castillo is--in 
his own words--``a servant to music and a servant to the community.'' 
He has been a tireless advocate for youth music education and a staunch 
promoter of the orchestra's role in public life.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting Maestro 
Castillo and the Camellia Symphony Orchestra for outstanding 
contributions to the Sacramento community and extend congratulations 
upon its 40th anniversary.

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