House Concurrent Resolution 53

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FOR ITS INCLUSION OF OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL MUSICIANS AND RECOGNIZING THE ORCHESTRA'S POSITIVE IMPACT ON OUR STATE.

WHEREAS, as the oldest symphony orchestra in the state, the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra attracts performers and patrons from across the globe; and

WHEREAS, the USM Symphony Orchestra is the largest concentration of international musicians in the state, and has attracted almost 300 international musicians to Mississippi from around the world for the past 28 years; and

WHEREAS, international members of the USM Symphony Orchestra are featured in concerts and festivals throughout Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the USM Symphony Orchestra regularly performs with internationally known musical artists and helps make Mississippi more internationally attractive; and

WHEREAS, the USM Symphony Orchestra creates international interest in our state and improves cultural education, which improves economic development in our state; and

WHEREAS, the USM Symphony Orchestra has presented numerous concerts, operas, ballets and musicals throughout Mississippi, and the symphony's educational and community outreach program reaches thousands of students and elderly citizens every year through performances and instruction; and

WHEREAS, the USM Symphony Orchestra's programs attract visitors, new residents and businesses to Mississippi and provides opportunities and events that unite diverse communities; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize the excellent cultural institutions of this state, such as the USM Symphony Orchestra, whose contributions to improving Mississippi's cultural place in the nation has brought music to our state's ears:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra for its inclusion of outstanding international musicians and recognize the orchestra's positive impact on our state.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.