Bill Text: VA SJR321 | 2021 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts.
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Democrat 10-1)
Status: (Passed) 2021-02-01 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ321ER) [SJR321 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2021-SJR321-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Vienna that presents world-class cultural and musical events for the benefit of the Northern Virginia community and beyond, celebrates the 50th anniversary of Filene Center performances in 2021; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Filene Shouse originally donated 100 acres of her Vienna farmland to the United States government, and funds for the construction of a 7,028 seat indoor/outdoor theater, resulting in the creation of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, unique as America's only national park with this designation; and
WHEREAS, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts was founded by Catherine Filene Shouse to operate in close partnership with the National Park Service to achieve the purpose for which the Park was established: to provide facilities through which patrons would enrich their knowledge of the performing arts and to present educational programs with respect to the performing arts; and
WHEREAS, Wolf Trap Foundation and the National Park Service presented the inaugural performance at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts on July 1, 1971; the partnership between the Foundation and the National Park Service has since flourished, highlighted by an ongoing commitment to presenting artists that reflect the diversity of the community, including legends and top artists from every genre—classical, pop, rock, jazz, opera, folk, world music, and dance; and
WHEREAS, Wolf Trap Foundation has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to its mission of creating excellent and innovative performing arts programs for the enrichment, education, and enjoyment of diverse audiences and participants, while expanding the caliber and breadth of its annual programming; and
WHEREAS, since the first performance in 1971, Wolf Trap Foundation has greatly expanded its impact on arts and education beyond the presentation of performances at the Filene Center; and
WHEREAS, in 1971 the Wolf Trap Opera was established, providing thousands of emerging artists with one of the most prestigious training and performance experiences in the nation, while bringing world-class opera performances to audiences at the Filene Center and at The Barns at Wolf Trap; and
WHEREAS, Wolf Trap Foundation is commended for its important role in preserving the tradition of classical music, including its nationally recognized Chamber Music at the Barns and its ongoing commitment to classical and opera programming at the Filene Center; and
WHEREAS, in 1981 the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts was founded to enhance teacher excellence and children's learning by integrating the performing arts into early childhood education; and
WHEREAS, Wolf Trap Foundation has continued to lead the arts education and early learning fields by developing and delivering high-quality arts education programs throughout the Commonwealth, across the country, and around the world for people of all ages and diverse backgrounds, serving nearly 100,000 students, educators, parents, and caregivers each year; and
WHEREAS, Wolf Trap has provided lasting memories for millions of people, which they will treasure over their lifetimes, through unique performing arts experiences and arts education programs; and
WHEREAS, the longstanding partnership between Wolf Trap Foundation and the National Park Service will continue over the long term to ensure that Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts will be protected for future generations; and
WHEREAS, Wolf Trap Foundation is recognized for its many contributions to the Commonwealth and the nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend and congratulate Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts for the important cultural contributions it has provided to the Commonwealth for the past five decades; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare copies of this resolution for presentation to Arvind Manocha, president and chief executive officer of Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, George Liffert, superintendent of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and Daniel A. D'Aniello, chairman of the Board of Directors of Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts as an expression of the General Assembly's appreciation for these contributions and best wishes for a happy 50th anniversary.
