Honor Troy Music Hall

Senate Resolution No. 93 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall upon the occasion of its designation as Organization of Excellence by Oakwood Cemetery on October 6, 2016 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay tribute to those cultural institutions and organizations whose commitment to promoting the richness and diversity of the arts and entertainment world has contributed to the strength, vitality, and cultural enrichment of their communities and 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 the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall upon the occasion of its designation as Organization of Excellence by Oakwood Cemetery, to be celebrated at its 15th Annual Gala on Thursday, October 6, 2016, at the Earl Chapel in Oakwood Cemetery, Troy, New York; and WHEREAS, One of Troy's finest jewels and a National Historic Landmark, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is a magnificent venue with beautiful architecture, drawing thousands of people in from the community each year; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1823, the Troy Savings Bank operated from smaller banking offices until, in 1870, the Board of Trustees decided to move its offices to a new location one block away; to demonstrate its appreciation for the many years of patronage by local citizens, the plans for a new building included a music hall on the upper floor; and WHEREAS, In the early years of the 20th century, the Music Hall was honored with performances by such world-renowned artists as Lillian Nordica, Henry Vieuxtemps, Ignace Jan Paderewski, Albert Spaulding, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Myra Hess and Jose Iturbi; and WHEREAS, During the era preceding the Second World War, internationally respected performers continued to grace the Music Hall stage, including Vladimir Horowitz, Yehudi Menuhin and Artur Rubenstein, among many others; and WHEREAS, As the 20th century progressed, the advent of radio, cinema and television provided alternative forms of entertainment for the city's growing middle class; during this time, Troy's community leaders began looking into ways to save the Music Hall; and WHEREAS, In 1979, a group of private citizens formed the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Revitalization Committee; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, with the help of grants as well as support from the bank and additional funding from the city and county for its administration, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Corporation was established; and WHEREAS, Today, the Troy Savings Bank perpetuates its gift to the Troy community through its ongoing restoration and renovation projects, while the Music Hall Corporation moves closer to its goal of developing the full potential of this treasure; and WHEREAS, A true asset to its community, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is committed to supporting arts education in local schools, truly making a difference in the lives of countless children; and WHEREAS, As the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall looks back with great pride to its beginnings, viewing, with just satisfaction, its successful evolution, it renews both its dedication to supporting artistic excellence, and its commitment to the community it has served for more than a century, expressing its appreciation to all those who have helped to sustain and enhance it over the years; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and 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 the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall upon the occasion of its designation as Organization of Excellence by Oakwood Cemetery on October