Resolution 181107

..Title Honoring and Recognizing Opera Philadelphia for their Community Initiatives Youth Programming and all the work that they do to promote the musical arts to the young people of Philadelphia. ..Body WHEREAS, Opera Philadelphia is a Philadelphia based opera company. Since 1975, Opera Philadelphia has played an integral part in the production of opera in the City. From performances at the Academy of Music and Kimmel Center to pop-up performances in public spaces, Opera Philadelphia has likely had a role in bringing that art to Philadelphians; and WHEREAS, Opera Philadelphia is a recognized international industry leader, known for their proven track record in bold and innovative artistic approaches. They seek to embrace new models, audiences, artists, and entrepreneurial endeavors, while simultaneously transforming their own organizational structure to achieve sustainability and encourage community engagement; and WHEREAS, The company's artistic, organizational, and civic achievements have enabled them to grow significantly and diversify their audience. Patrons view Opera Philadelphia as "innovative, young, fresh, exciting, and on the move," with high production values and a laudable civic presence; and WHEREAS, Since the 1990s, Opera Philadelphia has offered a variety of free community programs that are focused on helping Philadelphia Youth become more involved and integrated in the arts; and WHEREAS, Since they began, the Community Initiatives Department has been dedicated to changing the lives of young people through the power of music by providing youth with the opportunity to explore themselves and their world through opera; and WHEREAS, Opera Philadelphia makes an impact on almost 10,000 Philadelphia youth every season, providing multiple ways students can engage in self-creation, self-expression, community building, and civic engagement through free programs such as: Backstage Pass, Career Day, Dress Rehearsal Program, Opera on Trial, Residency Program, Hip H'Opera and T-VOCE; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes and honors Opera Philadelphia for their Community Initiatives Youth Programming and all the work that they do to promote the musical arts to the young people of Philadelphia. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Opera Philadelphia as a sincere expression of the Council of the City of Philadelphia's gratitude, admiration and recognition. ..End