LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary Season of the
Lake George Opera Festival to be celebrated on June 12, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate those
events of historical significance which add strength, vigor and inspira-
tion to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the communities of
the 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 commem-
orate the 50th Season of the Lake George Opera Festival to be celebrated
with an Anniversary Celebration at Diamond Point, Lake George, New York
on Sunday, June 12, 2011; and
WHEREAS, In the summer of 1962, baritone, actor, and visionary Fred
Patrick gathered together a group of professional opera singers at
Diamond Point on Lake George in upstate New York, together on the even-
ing of Tuesday, July 5, 1962, they gave birth to the Lake George Opera
Festival with a performance of Johann Strauss' "Die Fledermaus"; and
WHEREAS, From its humble beginnings in a functional but primitive
enclosed amphitheater known as the Diamond Penn Theater, within 5 short
years, rose to earn recognition from the New York State Council on the
Arts with its prestigious Award of Excellence; and
WHEREAS, The company performed their first three seasons, based upon
the principles of high artistry, opera productions performed in English,
and the goal of making the art form accessible and entertaining to
everyone, young and old alike; and
WHEREAS, The Opera Festival established an Apprentice Artists Program,
the second oldest of its kind, to train young gifted singers and actors;
it has given rise to some of the most successful operatic careers in
America as well as throughout the world during the past half century;
and
WHEREAS, Upon Fred Patrick's death in 1965, tenor, educator, and
impresario David Lloyd carried out and enlarged upon the original vision
during his 18 years with the company as Artistic and General Director;
he in turn passed on to his successors one of the great American summer
music festivals and a renowned performing arts organization; and
WHEREAS, Hundreds of thousands of audience members and benefactors
from throughout New York State and beyond have demonstrated, through
support and enthusiasm for the Lake George Opera Festival, that for five
decades it has been deemed a valued institution; and
WHEREAS, There is a long tradition of great music along the shores of
the Queen of American Lakes and many great musicians who have chosen to
live and perform there, inspired by its majestic and unique natural
beauty; and
WHEREAS, The site of the original opera theater, an 1870 home, where
the company worked and lived from 1962 to 1964, known as the Edmonds
Estate, Cheonderoga, and Somewhere in Time, houses a permanent tribute
in the form of the Lake George Opera Festival Music Room, which is
located within sight of the amphitheater steps and foundation footprint;
and
WHEREAS, The historic significance of the property and its musical
tradition, contributes to it being considered for listing on the State
and National Registers of Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, In honor of the 50th season of the Lake George Opera
Festival, and in recognition of its heritage and excellence as well as
its contributions to history and culture should be commended; and
WHEREAS, It is most fitting that we take time to celebrate the arts of
our Nation, to honor our artists, and to express our appreciation to

everyone who patronizes the arts; and as we celebrate the arts, we cele-
brate and give thanks to our American freedom, the only atmosphere in
which artists can truly create and in which art is truly the expression
of the soul; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary Season of the Lake George Opera
Festival to be celebrated on June 12, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Lake George Opera Festival Committee.