April 25, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 7 10303 Since I was first elected to Congress, I have Whereas when the organizers of the Fes- mother, he began to compose songs, always supported strengthening the partner- tival of Two Worlds decided to plan a com- and 4 years later he wrote the words ship between the United States and Israel. I panion festival in the United States, they and music of his first , ‘‘The searched for a city that would offer the am pleased to see these two important bills Death of .’’ charm of Spoleto, ; Following the death of his father, his pass the House, and throughout the 110th Whereas Mr. Menotti and the Spoleto USA Congress, I will continue to look for opportuni- organizers decided that Charleston, South mother took him to the United States, ties to bolster the relationship with our key Carolina, was the perfect counterpart to where he was enrolled at ’s ally, Israel. Spoleto, Italy, because Charleston is small Curtis Institute of Music. There he Mr. ACKERMAN. We thank every- enough to be dominated by nonstop arts completed his musical studies. body for everything as well, including events during the 17-day festival, but also His first mature work, the one-act the Speaker. I have no further speak- large and sophisticated enough to provide a opera buffa, ‘‘,’’ ers. I yield back the balance of our knowledgeable audience and appropriate the- was premiered in 1937, a success that aters; time. led to a commission from the National Whereas the Spoleto USA organizers also Broadcasting Company to write an The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time observed that Charleston has an extensive has now expired. The question is on the history of involvement with the arts, from opera especially for radio, ‘‘The Old motion offered by the gentleman from housing the Nation’s first theater and ballet Maid and the Thief,’’ the first such New York (Mr. ACKERMAN) that the companies to housing the Nation’s oldest commission ever given. House suspend the rules and agree to musical organization; ‘‘,’’ Menotti’s first full- the resolution, H. Res. 240. Whereas Mr. Menotti founded the Spoleto length work, won the The question was taken; and (two- Festival USA in 1977, and the festival quick- and the New York Drama Critics Circle thirds being in the affirmative) the ly became a haven for a large group of art- Award as the best musical play of the rules were suspended and the resolu- ists, both traditional and experimental, who year in 1954. were attracted to the mix of dance, theater, tion was agreed to. In 1984, Menotti was awarded the opera, music, and visual arts; Kennedy Center Honor of Lifetime A motion to reconsider was laid on Whereas the Spoleto Festival USA has the table. maintained traditions of the Festival of Two Achievement in the Arts. He was cho- f Worlds, such as a dedication to young art- sen 1991 Musician of the Year by Musi- ists, an enthusiasm for providing unusual cal America, inaugurating worldwide HONORING THE LIFE AND ACCOM- performance opportunities to recognized tributes to the composer in honor of PLISHMENTS OF GIAN CARLO masters in their fields, and a commitment to his 80th birthday. MENOTTI all forms of the performing arts, including Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I move to classical ballet, modern and post-modern my time. suspend the rules and agree to the con- dance, opera, chamber, symphonic, and cho- Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. ral music, jazz, theater, and visual arts; Speaker, I yield myself such time as I current resolution (H. Con. Res. 68), Whereas the Spoleto Festival USA cur- honoring the life and accomplishments rently claims an audience of between 70,000 may consume. of and recognizing and 80,000 attendees each year; and Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support the success of the Spoleto Festival Whereas Gian Carlo Menotti died on Feb- of House Concurrent Resolution 68. USA in Charleston, South Carolina, ruary 1, 2007, in a hospital in Monte Carlo: This resolution honors the life and ac- which he founded. Now, therefore, be it complishments of Gian Carlo Menotti, The Clerk read the title of the con- Resolved by the House of Representatives (the and recognizes the success of the current resolution. Senate concurring), That Congress honors the Spoleto Festival USA, which he found- The text of the concurrent resolution life and accomplishments of Gian Carlo ed in my birthplace of Charleston, Menotti and recognizes the success of the South Carolina. is as follows: Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, South H. CON. RES. 68 Carolina, which he founded. Born in Italy, near Lake Magiore and Whereas Gian Carlo Menotti was born on the Swiss border, Mr. Menotti began The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- writing songs at the age of 7. By 11 he July 7, 1911, in Cadegliano-Viconago, Italy; ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Whereas Mr. Menotti began writing songs wrote both the story line and music for New York (Ms. CLARKE) and the gen- at age 7, and at age 11 wrote both the li- his first opera, ‘‘The Death of Pierrot,’’ bretto and music for his first opera, The tleman from South Carolina (Mr. WIL- and shortly thereafter began his formal Death of Pierrot; SON) each will control 20 minutes. musical training at Milan’s Verdi Con- The Chair recognizes the gentle- Whereas Mr. Menotti began his formal mu- servatory. sical training in 1923 at Milan’s Verdi Con- woman from New York. servatory; GENERAL LEAVE b 1245 Whereas after the death of his father, Mr. Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I request After the death of his father, Menotti Menotti and his mother emigrated to the 5 legislative days during which Mem- and his mother immigrated to the United States, and he enrolled at Philadel- phia’s Curtis Institute of Music; bers may insert material relevant to H. United States, where he enrolled at Whereas Mr. Menotti’s first full-length Con. Res. 68 into the RECORD. Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute of opera, The Consul, premiered in 1950, and it The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Music. won both the and, in objection to the request of the gentle- In 1951 Mr. Menotti wrote his beloved 1954, the New York Drama Circle Critics’ woman from New York? Christmas opera, ‘‘Amahl and the Award for Musical Play of the Year; There was no objection. Night Visitors,’’ for the Hallmark Hall Whereas in 1951, Mr. Menotti wrote his be- Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield of Fame. ‘‘Amahl and the Night Visi- loved Christmas opera, Amahl and the Night myself as much time as I may con- tors’’ was the first opera ever written Visitors, for the ; sume. for television in the United States and Whereas Amahl and the Night Visitors was the first opera ever written for television in Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 68 honors was first aired on Christmas Eve in the United States and was first aired on the life and accomplishments of Gian 1951. ‘‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’’ Christmas Eve in 1951; Carlo Menotti, and recognizes the suc- was such a success that it became an Whereas Amahl and the Night Visitors was cess of the Spoleto Festival USA in annual Christmas tradition and re- such a success that it became an annual Charleston, South Carolina, which he mains Mr. Menotti’s most famous pop- Christmas tradition and remains Mr. founded. ular work to this day. Menotti’s most popular work to this day; I would like to thank Representative In 1958 he founded the Festival of Whereas in 1955, Mr. Menotti won a second BROWN from South Carolina for bring- Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy. This fes- Pulitzer Prize for his opera, The Saint of ing this important resolution to the tival was intended to bring opera to a Bleecker Street; Whereas in 1958, Mr. Menotti founded the floor. popular audience and helped launch the (Festival of the Two Gian Carlo Menotti was born July 7, careers of such artists as singer Shirley Worlds) in Spoleto, Italy, as a forum for 1911, at Cadegliano-Viconago, Italy. At Verrett and choreographers Paul Tay- young American artists in Europe; the age of 7, under the guidance of his lor and .

VerDate Nov 24 2008 08:30 Apr 21, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H25AP7.000 H25AP7 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD 10304 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 7 April 25, 2007 In 1977 he founded its companion fes- was writing songs, but I wasn’t. He we say that word respectfully as we tival, Spoleto Festival USA, in wrote both the and music for move towards the discussion and the Charleston, South Carolina. Spoleto his first opera, ‘‘The Death of Pierrot.’’ debate about what our immigration Festival USA is an annual 17-day fes- He was an immigrant. So we are not policy will be later on in this year. And tival of the arts which produces opera, only talking about his life, we are talk- hopefully we will come to salient solu- and it presents dance, theater, classical ing about all of those immigrants who tions which reflect the best of our im- music, and jazz. The festival is held in came here with nothing and made migrant population, every group, re- late May and early June. something that everybody was affected gardless of which continent you came Charleston was chosen as the loca- by in his life. here from. tion for the festival due to its wealth of He came to this country in 1928. And So thank you, Madam Congress- theaters and other performance spaces. his first full-length opera was ‘‘The woman, and thank you, Mr. WILSON Each year the festival hosts over 100 Consul,’’ which premiered in 1950. He from South Carolina. performances by international artists won the Pulitzer Prize for Music and in Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. in a variety of disciplines. Since its in- 1954 the New York Drama Circle Crit- Speaker, I appreciate the information ception it has presented 100 inter- ics’ Award for Musical Play of the enthusiastically provided by Mr. national premieres and 93 American Year. The piece was translated into 12 PASCRELL, who is certainly one of the premieres, notably ‘‘Creve Coeur’’ by languages and performed in no fewer finest Members we have here, and I ap- Tennessee Williams and ‘‘The Amer- than 20 countries. preciate our long association. ican Clock’’ by . World- In 1951 he wrote the Christmas opera Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he renowned artists who performed at ‘‘Amahl and the Night Visitors,’’ the may consume to the gentleman from Spoleto Festival USA early in their ca- first opera ever written for television South Carolina (Mr. BROWN). reers include Renee Fleming, Emanuel in the United States. It first aired on Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Ax, Joshua Bell, Joanna Simon, and Christmas Eve in 1951, and it remains Speaker, I thank my good friend Joe Yo-Yo Ma. The festival claims an audi- the most popular work to this day. Wilson for yielding me this time and ence annually of between 70,000 to In 1958 he founded the Festival dei for those great remarks of Mr. 80,000 persons each year. Due Mondi, which is the Festival of the PASCRELL. In 1984 Menotti was awarded the Ken- Two Worlds, in Spoleto, Italy, as a Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on nedy Center Honor for Achievement in forum for young American artists who H. Con. Resolution 68, which is a reso- the Arts, and in 1991 he was chosen Mu- were in Europe. This was a place for lution honoring the life of Gian Carlo sical America’s ‘‘Musician of the them to go to really bevel their skills Menotti, who was the founder of the Year.’’ In addition to composing so that they can communicate to the Spoleto Festival USA that happens to his own texts, on his own chosen rest of the world the beauty of music. every year in Charleston, South Caro- subject matter, Menotti directed most When the organizers of the Festival lina. productions of his work. of Two Worlds searched for a city, they Mr. Speaker, on February 1, 2007, Gian Carlo Menotti died on February went to Charleston, a great city which Gian Carlo Menotti passed away. He 1, 2007, at the age of 95 in a hospital in Congressman WILSON spoke of, and I was a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Monte Carlo, Monaco, where he had a think that is where he was born. So and champion of the arts in the United home. they gave us not only Congressman States and in Italy. I want to thank my colleagues, led WILSON, but they also gave us great In 1958 he founded the Festival of by Congressman HENRY BROWN and my music. It is a beautiful city, and they Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, as a fellow members of the South Carolina saw what was in Spoleto, Italy, and forum for young artists in Europe. In delegation, for honoring the life of this they tried to replicate that. 1977 he decided to plan a companion great Italian American artist as well as Mr. Menotti founded the Spoleto Fes- American festival, and they searched his lasting legacy, the Spoleto Festival tival USA in Charleston in 1977, and it for an American city that would offer USA. has since maintained the tradition, and the charm of Spoleto, Italy. I ask my colleagues to support this you heard the speaker previously speak Mr. Menotti and the Spoleto Festival resolution. about how many people go to that fes- organizers decided that Charleston, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of tival. South Carolina, was the perfect coun- my time. I am proud to lend my voice today to terpart to Spoleto, Italy. Charleston is Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I am the chorus of those in support of this small enough to be dominated by non- pleased to yield 41⁄2 minutes to the gen- resolution. stop arts events during the 17-day fes- tleman from New Jersey, BILL True, Mr. Speaker, there was no TV tival but also large and sophisticated PASCRELL, Jr., member of the Ways and series or reality TV reflecting the ge- enough to provide a knowledgeable au- Means Committee. nius of this man. Thank God. His music dience and appropriate theaters. Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I want spoke for itself and sounded for itself. Organizers also observed that to thank the gentlewoman for yielding. And when we talk about television and Charleston, South Carolina, has an ex- I rise today in strong support of what goes on the tube and what passes tensive history of involvement with House Concurrent Resolution 68, a res- for reality and the series that we see the arts from housing America’s first olution honoring the life and accom- and are exposed to that are supposed to theater and ballet companies to hous- plishments of Gian Carlo Menotti, who reflect to us the ethnicity of certain ing the oldest musical organization in passed away earlier this year at the groups, it is shameful that we do not the country. age of 95. give presence to this beautiful immi- The Spoleto Festival quickly became As cochair of the congressional grant who gave his life, as the indi- a haven for a large group of artists, Italian American delegation, I am es- vidual we honored last year, who paint- both traditional and experimental, who pecially proud to be here today to ed the inside of this Capitol and wound found the mix of dance, theater, opera, honor Gian Carlo Menotti. This award- up with nothing in his pocket at the music, and the visual arts. winning composer and champion of art- end of it. These are the people that The Spoleto Festival USA has main- ists was one of the most significant made America. Not the people that get tained traditions of the Festival of Two composers to emerge after World War whacked on series. And thank God it is Worlds, such as a dedication to young II. going to be over pretty soon. artists and an enthusiasm for providing A native of Italy, he was the sixth of So we celebrate the accomplishments unusual performance opportunities to ten children. He began writing songs of Gian Carlo Menotti not just for recognized masters in their fields and a when he was 7 years of age. If you can , not just for Italian Ameri- commitment to all forums of the per- flash back to when we were 7 years of cans, but for all of us. We are all immi- forming arts, including classical ballet, age, I know that maybe the Speaker grants. We are all immigrants. And so modern and post-modern dance, opera,

VerDate Nov 24 2008 08:30 Apr 21, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H25AP7.000 H25AP7 rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with BOUND RECORD April 25, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 7 10305 chamber, symphonic, and choral music, Whereas research has shown that gar- Mr. Speaker, the National Garden jazz, theater, and visual arts. dening positively impacts not only environ- Association has designated April as Na- Spoleto Festival USA currently mental attitudes, but also nutritional atti- tional Gardening Month, during which claims an audience of over 75,000 tudes, interpersonal skills, and self-esteem; people across the Nation take out time and attendees each year, and the festival Whereas the National Gardening Associa- from their busy schedules to plant continues its dedication to providing tion recognizes April as National Garden seeds and bulbs and trees to beautify performance opportunities to young Month: Now, therefore, be it their lawns and gardens and, ulti- artists from across the United States Resolved, That it is the sense of the House mately, the communities in which they and Italy. of Representatives that schools throughout live. However, this annual ritual does Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 68 has been the United States should celebrate National more than just enrich the aesthetics of endorsed by the National Italian Amer- Garden Month through a curriculum that in- people’s yards. Research has shown cludes outdoor learning through gardening. ican Foundation and is cosponsored by that gardening positively impacts envi- the entire South Carolina delegation, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ronmental attitudes, interpersonal including my friend and colleague who ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from skills, self-esteem and even nutritional also represents part of Charleston, New York (Ms. CLARKE) and the gen- attitudes. That is why it is important South Carolina, the majority whip, tleman from South Carolina (Mr. WIL- that we expose our children, especially Jim Clyburn. SON) each will control 20 minutes. school-age children, to the benefits of I urge all of my colleagues to support The Chair recognizes the gentle- nature and gardening through outdoor H. Con. Res. 68 in honor of the father of woman from New York. learning. Spoleto Festival USA, Gian Carlo b 1300 April is a fitting month for consider- Menotti. GENERAL LEAVE ation of this measure as we celebrate Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. both Earth Day, and in many States, Speaker, I do want to conclude with Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Mem- Arbor Day. With conservation and en- thanking Mr. BROWN for his leadership vironmental stewardship in the air, we in bringing this to the attention of our bers may insert material relevant to H. should seize this opportunity to en- country. Res. 292 into the RECORD. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there courage children all across America to of my time. objection to the request of the gentle- step away from their televisions and Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield woman from New York? turn off their X-Boxes, get outside, get back the balance of my time. There was no objection. some fresh air, and become the young The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield scientists in the living laboratory that question is on the motion offered by myself such time as I may consume. is all around us. the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. H. Res. 292 expresses the sense of the More so than any one generation be- House of Representatives that schools CLARKE) that the House suspend the fore it, children today are instilled rules and agree to the concurrent reso- should celebrate National Garden with the values of environmentalism lution, H. Con. Res. 68. Month through a curriculum that in- and conservation. H. Res. 292 builds The question was taken; and (two- cludes outdoor learning. upon and nurtures this value system thirds being in the affirmative) the I would like to thank my colleague, and serves as a win-win for all. the gentlewoman from Ohio, Rep- rules were suspended and the concur- With the long-term health of our en- rent resolution was agreed to. resentative PRYCE, for bringing this resolution to the floor. vironment becoming an increasingly A motion to reconsider was laid on hot topic, it is imperative that we the table. Mr. Speaker, the importance of get- ting children outside and involving teach our children to appreciate, re- f them with the environment is critical spect and protect our environment. EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE to the survival of our planet, and this While doing so, it improves and beau- HOUSE THAT SCHOOLS SHOULD bill takes the first step in that direc- tifies the planet around us. It also is CELEBRATE NATIONAL GARDEN tion. National Garden Month will in- essential to the physical, emotional MONTH THROUGH A CUR- troduce children, particularly children and mental development of our chil- RICULUM THAT INCLUDES OUT- from the city, such as Brooklyn, where dren. The practice of gardening has DOOR LEARNING I represent, who would not be exposed proven to improve landscapes and envi- ronmental health, nutrition and per- Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I move to to the outdoors an opportunity to in- sonal health and family and commu- suspend the rules and agree to the reso- volve themselves in gardening and the nity bonds. This bill will introduce lution (H. Res. 292) expressing the sense outdoors. more children than ever to gardening of the House of Representatives that This resolution is a small step in and horticulture. schools should celebrate National Gar- helping to further our survival. I urge den Month through a curriculum that my colleagues to support the environ- For a more beautiful America, and includes outdoor learning. ment by supporting this bill. for healthier and happier children, I The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of urge my colleagues to support this res- tion. my time. olution. The text of the resolution is as fol- Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I am lows: Speaker, I yield as much time as she pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gen- H. RES. 292 may consume to the gentlelady from tlewoman from New York (Mrs. Ohio (Ms. PRYCE). Whereas individuals in the United States MCCARTHY), Chair of the Sub- desire a healthy environment for the future; Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. I thank the gen- committee of Healthy Families and Whereas teaching children to appreciate, tleman, my friend Mr. WILSON, for Communities of the Education and respect, and protect the environment will yielding me this time. Labor Committee. have long-term benefits because children are Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support the next generation of environmental stew- of H. Res. 292, legislation I introduced Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York. ards; to encourage schools to celebrate Na- Thank you for yielding. Whereas greater exposure to nature tional Garden Month by including out- I want to thank my good colleague, through outdoor learning and play is recog- door learning in their curriculum. DEBORAH PRYCE, for working on this nized as essential to the physical, emotional, Mr. Speaker, I want to make special bill and introducing the bill. I want to and mental development and health of chil- dren; thanks to my friend, the gentlewoman certainly thank my colleague on the Whereas gardening exposes children to the from New York (Mrs. MCCARTHY) for Education Committee, Representative outdoors while increasing their knowledge of cosponsoring this bill and helping me CLARKE from New York, also, for man- plant cultivation and soil ecosystems; get it to the floor. aging the bill.

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