MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Dearing, Johnson (38th)

Senate Concurrent Resolution 552

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NATCHEZ OPERA FESTIVAL, INC., UPON RECEIVING THE ARTS IN COMMUNITY AWARD AS PART OF THE 1998 GOVERNOR'S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS. 

WHEREAS, the Natchez Opera Festival, Inc., supported by the Natchez Opera Guild, is the recipient of the Arts in Community Award of the 1998 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts; and

WHEREAS, opera has made a name for itself in Natchez once again, thanks to this dedicated, visionary core of volunteers; and

WHEREAS, since its organization in 1989, the Natchez Opera Festival has offered high-quality opera and Broadway musical arts performances to the community and to public school students in a nine-county area; and

WHEREAS, the Natchez Opera Festival presents concerts in the schools and prepares lesson plans to help teachers introduce opera and musical theater and music history and theory in the schools, inspiring citizens in southwest Mississippi to enthusiastically support music and music education; and

WHEREAS, community volunteers are at the heart of the Festival, with only one paid staff member, every aspect of coordinating the Festival is handled by volunteers from the Natchez Opera Guild, which is 400 members strong; and

WHEREAS, the major performances draw tourists to Natchez and create a significant economic impact for the community, according to the Department of Economic and Community Development, the May 1997 opera season generated $1.6 million in economic activity; and

WHEREAS, the Natchez Opera Festival has been selected as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society and it is with great pride that we recognize the artistic and economic success of this community organization:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Natchez Opera Festival, Inc., and the Natchez Opera Guild, upon being the recipient of the Arts in Community Award of the 1998 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to the Natchez Opera Festival director and be made available to members of the Capitol Press Corps.