Senate Resolution No. 3455

BY: Senator GOLDEN

COMMENDING Ridge Chorale upon the occasion of
celebrating its 50th Anniversary

WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form, are central to human
expression; they are truly a universal language and their contribution
to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples
cannot be underestimated; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those artistic organizations which have brought outstanding
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 Ridge Chorale upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th
Anniversary with the production of cherished Disney Classic, "Beauty and
the Beast," opening on Friday, February 2, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Ridge Chorale has been a cultural institution in Bay Ridge
Brooklyn since April of 1968, when Jeff Samaha, a resident of the
community, founded and organized its first concert; and

WHEREAS, Jeff Samaha's dream to start a chorus in the community
began slowly and has since developed into a group of 55 singers with a
hand-picked orchestra which remains under his able leadership; and

WHEREAS, Ridge Chorale encompasses the Samaha Vocal Ensemble and
Jeff Samaha Theater Productions, which has produced full-book Broadway
shows since 2001; the company has produced some of Broadway's most
challenging productions including "Children of Eden," "Ragtime," "Miss
Saigon," "West Side Story," "Smokey Joe's Cafe," "Shout! The Mod
Musical," "Seussical the Musical," and "Les Miserables," to name a few;
and

WHEREAS, Over the course of the past five decades, Ridge Chorale has
grown into a full production company; its singers and orchestra members
have performed at more than 60 community festivals and for many local
senior citizen organizations, including AARP and Lutheran Augustana
Home; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the Bay Ridge
community, Ridge Chorale has raised significant funds for countless
local charitable organizations through performance; one of the company's
proudest moments was its concert to raise funds to purchase bullet-proof
vests for the officers serving the 68th Precinct; and

WHEREAS, Recognized as one of the leading local theatre companies,
Ridge Chorale has been awarded 18 Community Service and Civic Awards in
recognition of its commitment to bringing the performing arts to
Brooklyn, and for its steadfast dedication to its mission and craft; and

WHEREAS, A vibrant arts community encourages collaboration, instills
local pride, draws people together, and is essential to a community's
vitality; over the past 50 years, Ridge Chorale has contributed to the
richness of Bay Ridge Brooklyn's cultural palette; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when artistic
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Ridge Chorale upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th
Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jeff Samaha, Founder, Ridge Chorale.