Assembly Resolution No. 1166

BY: M. of A. Cymbrowitz

celebrating Unity Songs, a concert to be held on
May 12, 2018 at Wagner Park in New York, New York

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 intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate
those events of historical significance which add strength, vigor and
inspiration 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
celebrate Unity Songs, a concert to be held on Saturday, May 12, 2018,
at Wagner Park in New York, New York; and

WHEREAS, Directed by legendary bandleader Mikhail Turetsky, the
acclaimed M. Turetsky Choir and Soprano Art Group will present Unity
Songs, which has become an international sensation combining songs about
peace, love and heroism; and

WHEREAS, Sponsored by the Government of Moscow, the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and RusBan, the two groups
will present the concert in eight countries including the United States,
Israel, France, Germany, Austria, Russia, Slovenia and Belarus; and

WHEREAS, Originally established in 2015, the Unity Songs project
uses music to unite humanity by highlighting men striving towards peace
and love in times of war and strife; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1989 at the Moscow Choral Synagogue, the M.
Turetsky Choir is a Russian men's a cappella ensemble and musical
collective under the direction of Mikhail Turetsky, who founded the
group; a powerful tenor, he is a National Artist of the Russian
Federation; and

WHEREAS, M. Turetsky Choir features a large group of male soloists
with beautiful voices ranging from tenor-contralto to basso-profundo,
spanning four-and-a-half octaves which create astounding harmonies as
well as talented musicians playing piano, violin, guitar and drums; and

WHEREAS, The popular group has been performing for more than two
decades to sold-out venues in Europe, Asia, and the United States, where
they always end their performance with a stirring rendition of their
signature song, "God Bless America"; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the M. Turetsky Choir, Mikhail Turetsky also
formed Soprano Art Group, which combines all existing female singing
voices from the highest (soprano) to the lowest (mezzo); each soloist
has her own singing style, from academic to folk and pop-jazz; and

WHEREAS, All concerts are performed live, with the artists singing
in different languages, and playing different musical instruments; the
group sings a cappella with the piano, guitar and drums accompanying
them; and

WHEREAS, Soprano Art Group goes on annual concerts tours all over
the world, performing in prestigious concert halls; the group of
talented women has recorded 10 albums and made a number of music videos;
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
celebrate 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
celebrate Unity Songs, a concert to be held on May 12, 2018 at Wagner
Park in New York, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mikhail Turetsky, the members of the M. Turetsky Choir,
and the members of Soprano Art Group.