Honor Unity Songs Concert

May 12, 2018 at Wagner Park in New York, New York 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 intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate those events of historical significance which add strength, vigor and inspiration to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the communities of the 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 celebrate Unity Songs, a concert to be held on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at Wagner Park in New York, New York; and WHEREAS, Directed by legendary bandleader Mikhail Turetsky, the acclaimed M. Turetsky Choir and Soprano Art Group will present Unity Songs, which has become an international sensation combining songs about peace, love and heroism; and WHEREAS, Sponsored by the Government of Moscow, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and RusBan, the two groups will present the concert in eight countries including the United States, Israel, France, Germany, Austria, Russia, Slovenia and Belarus; and WHEREAS, Originally established in 2015, the Unity Songs project uses music to unite humanity by highlighting men striving towards peace and love in times of war and strife; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1989 at the Moscow Choral Synagogue, the M. Turetsky Choir is a Russian men's a cappella ensemble and musical collective under the direction of Mikhail Turetsky, who founded the group; a powerful tenor, he is a National Artist of the Russian Federation; and WHEREAS, M. Turetsky Choir features a large group of male soloists with beautiful voices ranging from tenor-contralto to basso-profundo, spanning four-and-a-half octaves which create astounding harmonies as well as talented musicians playing piano, violin, guitar and drums; and WHEREAS, The popular group has been performing for more than two decades to sold-out venues in Europe, Asia, and the United States, where they always end their performance with a stirring rendition of their signature song, "God Bless America"; and WHEREAS, In addition to the M. Turetsky Choir, Mikhail Turetsky also formed Soprano Art Group, which combines all existing female singing voices from the highest (soprano) to the lowest (mezzo); each soloist has her own singing style, from academic to folk and pop-jazz; and WHEREAS, All concerts are performed live, with the artists singing in different languages, and playing different musical instruments; the group sings a cappella with the piano, guitar and drums accompanying them; and WHEREAS, Soprano Art Group goes on annual concerts tours all over the world, performing in prestigious concert halls; the group of talented women has recorded 10 albums and made a number of music videos; and WHEREAS, It is most fitting that we take time to celebrate the arts of our Nation, to honor our artists, and to express our appreciation to everyone who patronizes the arts; and as we celebrate the arts, we celebrate and give thanks to our American freedom, the only atmosphere in which artists can truly create and in which art is truly the expression of the soul; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to celebrate Unity Songs, a concert to be held on May 12, 2018 at Wagner Park in New York, New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Mikhail Turetsky, the members of the M. Turetsky Choir, and the members of Soprano Art Group.