Honor Ridge Chorale’s 50th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 3455 BY: Senator GOLDEN COMMENDING Ridge Chorale upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form, are central to human expression; they are truly a universal language and their contribution to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples cannot be underestimated; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those artistic organizations which have brought outstanding entertainment and cultural enrichment to the citizens of the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Ridge Chorale upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary with the production of cherished Disney Classic, "Beauty and the Beast," opening on Friday, February 2, 2018; and WHEREAS, Ridge Chorale has been a cultural institution in Bay Ridge Brooklyn since April of 1968, when Jeff Samaha, a resident of the community, founded and organized its first concert; and WHEREAS, Jeff Samaha's dream to start a chorus in the community began slowly and has since developed into a group of 55 singers with a hand-picked orchestra which remains under his able leadership; and WHEREAS, Ridge Chorale encompasses the Samaha Vocal Ensemble and Jeff Samaha Theater Productions, which has produced full-book Broadway shows since 2001; the company has produced some of Broadway's most challenging productions including "Children of Eden," "Ragtime," "Miss Saigon," "West Side Story," "Smokey Joe's Cafe," "Shout! The Mod Musical," "Seussical the Musical," and "Les Miserables," to name a few; and WHEREAS, Over the course of the past five decades, Ridge Chorale has grown into a full production company; its singers and orchestra members have performed at more than 60 community festivals and for many local senior citizen organizations, including AARP and Lutheran Augustana Home; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the Bay Ridge community, Ridge Chorale has raised significant funds for countless local charitable organizations through performance; one of the company's proudest moments was its concert to raise funds to purchase bullet-proof vests for the officers serving the 68th Precinct; and WHEREAS, Recognized as one of the leading local theatre companies, Ridge Chorale has been awarded 18 Community Service and Civic Awards in recognition of its commitment to bringing the performing arts to Brooklyn, and for its steadfast dedication to its mission and craft; and WHEREAS, A vibrant arts community encourages collaboration, instills local pride, draws people together, and is essential to a community's vitality; over the past 50 years, Ridge Chorale has contributed to the richness of Bay Ridge Brooklyn's cultural palette; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when artistic organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Ridge Chorale upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Jeff Samaha, Founder, Ridge Chorale.