RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING THE STOCKTON SYMPHONY ON THEIR CENTENNIAL YEAR

RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING THE STOCKTON SYMPHONY ON THEIR CENTENNIAL YEAR

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E254-E255] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING THE STOCKTON SYMPHONY ON THEIR CENTENNIAL YEAR ______ HON. JOSH HARDER of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 24, 2026 Mr. HARDER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Stockton Symphony during its 2026-2027 Centennial concert season. For a century, the Stockton Symphony has enriched the cultural life of Stockton and the Central Valley, bringing artistic excellence, educational opportunity, and community connection to generations of families. Founded in May 1926, the Symphony gave its inaugural performance during ``Music Week'' for the Stockton Musical Club. The orchestra was formed by twenty local musicians under the leadership of Manlio Silva-- an Italian immigrant, pharmacist by day and conductor by night--whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for one of California's oldest continuously operating professional orchestras. Just months later, in October 1926, the Symphony opened its first full season at the California Theater on Main Street, making high-quality musical performance accessible to the community. Silva continued to lead the orchestra until 1958, guiding it through decades of growth. In the years that followed, conductors including Horace Brown, Fritz Berens, and Ralph Matesky sustained the Symphony's legacy before Kyung- Soo Won began a transformative 27-year tenure in 1967. Under his leadership, the orchestra evolved from a community ensemble into a fully professional organization of ``metropolitan'' status as recognized by the League of American Orchestras. Since 1995, Maestro Peter Jaffe has led the Stockton Symphony in a period of continued artistic achievement and national recognition. Through acclaimed world premieres, composer residencies, and vibrant educational programs such as Harmony Stockton, Steppin' Out, and Magic of Music, the Symphony has strengthened its role as both a cultural anchor and an educational leader. Collaborations with local schools, colleges, arts organizations, and community groups continue to ensure that music remains accessible and inclusive for all. Today, the Stockton Symphony presents both Classical and Pops concerts, engages renowned guest artists and rising virtuosos, and remains steadfast in its mission to inspire joy and build community through the magic of music. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Stockton Symphony on its Centennial Anniversary and in expressing our deep gratitude for 100 years of extraordinary service to the Central Valley. May the [[Page E255]] next century continue to uplift and unite our community through the power of music. ____________________