Senate Resolution No. 93

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall upon
the occasion of its designation as Organization of
Excellence by Oakwood Cemetery on October 6, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those cultural institutions and organizations whose
commitment to promoting the richness and diversity of the arts and
entertainment world has contributed to the strength, vitality, and
cultural enrichment of their communities and 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 Troy Savings Bank Music Hall upon the occasion of its
designation as Organization of Excellence by Oakwood Cemetery, to be
celebrated at its 15th Annual Gala on Thursday, October 6, 2016, at the
Earl Chapel in Oakwood Cemetery, Troy, New York; and

WHEREAS, One of Troy's finest jewels and a National Historic
Landmark, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is a magnificent venue with
beautiful architecture, drawing thousands of people in from the
community each year; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1823, the Troy Savings Bank operated from
smaller banking offices until, in 1870, the Board of Trustees decided to
move its offices to a new location one block away; to demonstrate its
appreciation for the many years of patronage by local citizens, the
plans for a new building included a music hall on the upper floor; and

WHEREAS, In the early years of the 20th century, the Music Hall was
honored with performances by such world-renowned artists as Lillian
Nordica, Henry Vieuxtemps, Ignace Jan Paderewski, Albert Spaulding,
Sergei Rachmaninoff, Myra Hess and Jose Iturbi; and

WHEREAS, During the era preceding the Second World War,
internationally respected performers continued to grace the Music Hall
stage, including Vladimir Horowitz, Yehudi Menuhin and Artur Rubenstein,
among many others; and

WHEREAS, As the 20th century progressed, the advent of radio, cinema
and television provided alternative forms of entertainment for the
city's growing middle class; during this time, Troy's community leaders
began looking into ways to save the Music Hall; and

WHEREAS, In 1979, a group of private citizens formed the Troy
Savings Bank Music Hall Revitalization Committee; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, with the help of grants as well as support
from the bank and additional funding from the city and county for its
administration, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Corporation was
established; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Troy Savings Bank perpetuates its gift to the
Troy community through its ongoing restoration and renovation projects,
while the Music Hall Corporation moves closer to its goal of developing
the full potential of this treasure; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to its community, the Troy Savings Bank Music
Hall is committed to supporting arts education in local schools, truly
making a difference in the lives of countless children; and

WHEREAS, As the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall looks back with great
pride to its beginnings, viewing, with just satisfaction, its successful
evolution, it renews both its dedication to supporting artistic
excellence, and its commitment to the community it has served for more
than a century, expressing its appreciation to all those who have helped
to sustain and enhance it over the years; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and 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 the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall upon the occasion of its
designation as Organization of Excellence by Oakwood Cemetery on October
6, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.