[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15625]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   OPERA AT FLORHAM 35TH ANNIVERSARY

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 4, 2017

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Opera at 
Florham, located in Fairleigh Dickinson University, in the Borough of 
Madison, New Jersey, on the occasion of their 35th Anniversary. From 
humble beginnings, this organization's mission is to educate and 
provide affordable operatic and related musical performances.
  In 1982 Violetta DuPont co-founded the organization as an extension 
of Fairleigh Dickinson University's Music Department. Since then Opera 
at Florham has been providing outstanding operatic and other vocal 
selections from the American Song Book. Each performance features three 
outstanding vocalists who have performed across the country. To this 
day, Opera at Florham is New Jersey's only long running opera recital 
series.
  Part of Opera at Florham's mission is to provide stage and role 
opportunities to young and upcoming artists. The inaugural Violetta 
DuPont Vocal Competition was held in 1987. This annual competition 
provides young operatic talent an opportunity to compete for cash 
prizes in front of judges and a live audience. In 1995, Opera at 
Florham became a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization and 
continues to be affiliated with Fairleigh Dickinson University.
  Opera at Florham is most known for its staged opera. Each season four 
musicales are performed in Lenfell Hall at Fairleigh Dickinson 
University, in the former residence of the Vanderbilt's and Twombley's. 
These musicales are priced affordably, yet feature high artistic 
excellence. These events showcase the drama, passion, music, and story 
that good opera is known for.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in 
congratulating Opera at Florham on the occasion of their 35th 
Anniversary.

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