LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Tri-Ci-
ties Opera, February 6-8, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality of
life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by its
exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions; and
WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
that the quality and character of life in the communities across New
York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of
those organizations and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of
the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 60th Anniversary of the Tri-Cities Opera; this auspicious
occasion will be celebrated at an Anniversary Gala, to be held on Febru-
ary 6-8, 2009, at The Forum in Binghamton, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Tri-Cities Opera has been a cultural centerpiece of the
Southern Tier of New York for over 50 years; it has churned out dozens
of world class performers and produced world premieres of three American
operas; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1949 by Peyton Hibbitt and the late Carmen Savoca,
the Tri-Cities Opera enjoys an exceptional reputation in the opera world
for its artistic training program, beautiful sets and costumes, and
outstanding opera productions; and
WHEREAS, Peyton Hibbitt and the late Carmen Savoca have the distinct
honor of being the only two artistic directors in America to have led a
single professional opera company for 49 continuous years; they have
conducted and directed in major opera houses in the United States and
Europe and been honored by the National Board of Directors of Opera
America, and have received the President's Medal from Binghamton Univer-
sity, as well as the prestigious New York Council on the Arts Governor's
Award; and
WHEREAS, From its beginning, the Tri-Cities Opera has been firmly
committed not only to the production of high quality operatic enter-
tainment, but also to the careful training of young singers; its artis-
tic directors have dedicated their lives to developing an approach to
operatic training suitable for young singers; their teaching gives young
artists the practical knowledge of language and theatre arts, as well as
a clear understanding of vocal techniques; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its General Director, Reed W.
Smith, the Tri-Cities Opera has successfully met the challenges inherent
in flourishing in a smaller population center in these times of economic
distress and without a major corporate sponsor; and
WHEREAS, Artistic Director, Peter Sicilian, Co-Founder, Peyton
Hibbitt, and Senior Artistic Director, Duane Skrabalak, are organizing
the Tri-Cities Opera's 60th Anniversary Gala concerts at the Forum in
Binghamton; this auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Tri-Cities
Opera; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments, and which give positive
definition to the profile and disposition of the communities of the
State of New York, are brought to our attention, they should be recog-
nized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Tri-Cities Opera; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reed W. Smith, General Director, Tri-Cities Opera, Bingham-
ton, New York.