LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the New Rochelle Opera upon the occa-
sion of celebrating its 25th Anniversary on May 6, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those musical organizations that have brought entertainment and
cultural enrichment to the citizens of the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the New Rochelle Opera upon the occasion of celebrating its 25th Anni-
versary to be celebrated at a Gala on Thursday, May 6, 2010, at The
Fountainhead, New Rochelle, New York; and
WHEREAS, In honor of this most auspicious occasion New Rochelle Opera
will also present four fully staged performances of Puccini's breathtak-
ing TURANDOT at the Frank J. Auriana Theatre, Mooney-Hancock Art Center
at Ursuline School on June 24 through 27; many community members are
involved in the chorus, and Sister Beth Dowd's "Songcatchers" will sing
the children's chorus; and
WHEREAS, When Camille Coppola and Billie Tucker incorporated New
Rochelle Opera in 1985, they exulted in the realization of their long-
held dream, and looked forward to a rewarding operatic future; for
Camille Coppola, the company's executive/artistic director, the company
brought her the opportunity to fulfill her desire to sing opera, and she
performed all the leading roles in the early years of the company's
existence; for Billie Tucker, company coordinator and now Board presi-
dent, the company helped round out the artistic offerings she wanted for
the New Rochelle Public Library, where she had been hired to create a
community cultural center; and
WHEREAS, With a few props and paint, and a small group of enthusiastic
singers, Camille Coppola and Billie Tucker began to shape a company that
is now highly regarded in the regional opera world; the company presents
one fully staged, fully orchestrated and fully costumed production a
year - initially at the Library, until it outgrew the space; since 2003,
it has been presenting its major productions at the Ursuline Arts Center
in New Rochelle; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the company presents concerts throughout the
area, and works with school audiences to introduce them and involve them
in this art form, always keeping in mind its mission, which is to create
a deeper understanding and appreciation of live opera, and to provide
top quality, professional opera performances to local people who would
not ordinarily be able to afford such an experience; and
WHEREAS, At the same time, New Rochelle Opera aims to provide aspiring
young professional singers an opportunity to showcase their talents in a
full-length opera production; many singers who started with the company
have gone on to greater opportunities, including the Metropolitan Opera
in New York, and other equally fine opera companies throughout the
United States and Europe; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the New Rochelle Opera upon the occasion of celebrating its 25th
Anniversary on May 6, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the New Rochelle Opera.