WHEREAS, The Academy of Vocal Arts was founded in 1934 by Helen Corning Warden in the Rittenhouse Square section of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, AVA is widely regarded as the premier post-graduate opera training program in the world; and
WHEREAS, AVA is the only institution of its kind offering a tuition-free training program to its Resident Artists; and
WHEREAS, AVA alumni have been recognized with major international awards such as the Richard Tucker Award, Beverly Sills Award, the George London Award, the Belvedere Singing Competition and many others; and
WHEREAS, AVA alumni are regularly featured on the stages of The Metropolitan Opera, Teatro La Scala, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, The Academy of Music and other major opera houses of the world; and
WHEREAS, AVA auditions hundreds of vocalists each year from around the world to select fewer than a dozen singers to come to Philadelphia and join the roster of Resident Artists; and
WHEREAS, Many of these artists choose to make Philadelphia their home base during their post-AVA international careers; and
WHEREAS, AVA contributes to the cultural life of Philadelphia through the production of fully staged operas featuring their Resident Artists accompanied by professional Philadelphia musicians; and
WHEREAS, AVA's Jeanne B. Cowles Music Director, Christofer Macatsoris has led critically acclaimed performances throughout his 38 year tenure with the school; and
WHEREAS, The Academy of Vocal Arts is celebrating its 80th Anniversary with a Gala Dinner at the Hyatt at the Bellevue and Concert at the Kimmel Center's Verizon Hall on March 27, 2015; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby honor and celebrate the Academy of Vocal Arts on the occasion of its 80th Anniversary.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to K. James McDowell as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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