Assembly Resolution No. 1051

BY: M. of A. Levenberg

COMMEMORATING the 70th Season of Friends of Music
Concerts of Westchester County, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those organizations of artistic significance whose creative
contributions have helped further the cultural enrichment of our
communities and our Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 70th Season of Friends of Music Concerts of Westchester
County, New York; and

WHEREAS, Friends of Music Concerts, Inc. is a volunteer, non-profit
organization which brings the finest chamber music to Westchester
audiences; until the COVID-19 pandemic, it offered a six-concert series
each year, showcasing both world-renowned ensembles and distinguished
younger artists who illustrate the diversity and fine quality of chamber
music today; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1954, Friends of Music's first concert featured
the young Juilliard String Quartet, and, since then, Friends of Music
Concerts, Inc. has brought to Westchester chamber music groups,
soloists, and developing artists of world renown; this esteemed
organization's mission has always maintained a special focus on keeping
musical experiences affordable and supporting the future of chamber
music; and

WHEREAS, Friends of Music Concerts also supports the future of
classical music through its Partnerships program, which brings young
professional ensembles to Westchester public schools, working with local
music students and helping to create the audiences and classical
musicians of tomorrow; and

WHEREAS, The residencies include both performances and master
classes for the district's students, and are intended to supplement the
district's own music curriculum, with the residencies being provided at
no cost to the district; and

WHEREAS, Friends of Music Concerts' scholarship program supports
music students from underserved communities in need of financial aid;
the program also addresses the challenges faced presently by local music
schools in providing a superior level of musical education;
participating schools are Hoff-Barthetson Music School in Scarsdale and
the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains; and

WHEREAS, Friends of Music Concerts' annual Performance Award
nurtures artists newly emerging on the chamber music scene; the award is
given to a winner of the annual Young Concert Artists International
Auditions which are held in New York City; the Performance Award winner
is granted a coveted concert in the organization's season; and

WHEREAS, Friends of Music Concerts, supported by dedicated
volunteers, has brought to Westchester County the world's finest chamber
music performed by supremely gifted artists; in its seven-concert,
fall-to-spring season, the organization presents world-renowned
classical music groups in a convenient setting for Westchester County
audiences; and

WHEREAS, As Friends of Music Concerts, Inc. heads into the second
half of their 70th anniversary season, they will be welcoming dynamic,
award-winning artists; some of the featured artists and groups are just
starting their careers and will provide a variety of fresh musical
voices for the community to look forward to; others are established
artists who are highly praised for their adventurous programming and
virtuosic interpretations; and

WHEREAS, It is most fitting that we take time to celebrate the
musical arts of our Nation, to honor our musical artists, and to express
our appreciation to everyone who patronizes the arts; as we celebrate
the arts, we celebrate and give thanks to our American freedom, the only
atmosphere in which artists can truly create and in which musical arts
are truly the expression of the soul; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 70th Season of Friends of Music Concerts of Westchester
County, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Friends of Music Concerts of Westchester County.