Senate Concurrent Resolution 565

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING JOHN PAUL OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, UPON HIS RECEIPT OF THE 2002 GOVERNOR'S EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS AWARD IN THE CATEGORY OF ARTIST'S ACHIEVEMENT.

WHEREAS, organist and classical musician John Paul, of Jackson, Mississippi, is the recipient of the 2002 Governor's Excellence in the Arts Award in the category of Artist's Achievement; and

WHEREAS, John Paul grew up in Lyme Regis, Dorsetshire, England. In 1961, he won entrance to the Royal Academy of Music in London where his principle teachers were Alan Richardson, C.H. Trevor, Eric H. Thiman and Thurston Dart. He holds the Academy's diplomas in Piano and Organ, an honours degree from the University of London and a Doctorate from the University of Colorado; and

WHEREAS, in 1965, he immigrated to Jackson, Mississippi, to become Organist and Choirmaster at St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral, also serving as Organist at Temple Beth Israel since 1973. At St. Andrews, he has been responsible for all service music and the Wednesday at St. Andrew's noontime concert series begun in 1971, which quickly became a model for such concert series throughout the country; and

WHEREAS, Paul has a special interest in the plucked keyboard instruments and has toured as a Harpsichordist since 1980 presenting concerts, workshops and informances in the United States, South American and Europe; and

WHEREAS, since 1997, he has been in partnership with Harpsichordist Shawn Leopard in many performances from Boston to Miami. This duo has recorded the Bach Trio Sonatas with Lyrichord Discs and the Soler Conciertos for Two Keyboards with the Centaur label. Centaur released Paul's recording of the complete clavichord pieces of Herbert Howells in January of this year; and

WHEREAS, John Paul is married to the former Charlotte Skelton, A Jackson native. They have two sons, Charles and Alan. John Paul became a United States citizen in 1976 and is proud to call Mississippi his home; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the unique musical talent of this citizen who is a Mississippian by "choice" and not by "chance," and who has brought honor to his community and to the State of Mississippi:

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 John Paul of Jackson, Mississippi, upon his receipt of the 2002 Governor's Excellence in the Arts Award in the category of Artist's Achievement, and wish him and his family success in their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to John Paul at induction ceremonies in February 2002, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.