LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 125th Anniversary of Carnegie
Hall

WHEREAS, It is the honor and privilege of this Legislative Body to
recognize the historic significance and creative achievements of artis-
tic and cultural institutions within the State of New York, and in doing
so, help to ensure that the complete history of our State and Nation is
preserved and shared with present and future generations of New Yorkers;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 125th Anniversary of Carnegie Hall; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of President Sanford I. Weill,
Carnegie Hall is a venerated music and performance hall with an illus-
trious past that has set the standard for excellence and artistry in
music over the past 125 years with over 46,000 events since its found-
ing; and
WHEREAS, On May 5, 2016, Carnegie Hall held a celebratory concert and
gala to observe the exact anniversary of 125 years to the day since the
Hall first opened its doors in 1891 for an opening night concert
conducted by Walter Damrosch and featuring Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich
Tchaikovsky; and
WHEREAS, Since its opening, Carnegie Hall has consistently drawn the
most eminent performers from a wide variety of genres, ranging from
classical musicians to symphony orchestras to jazz, folk, and pop stars;
and
WHEREAS, Upon the laying of its cornerstone in 1890, Andrew Carnegie
proclaimed, "All causes may here find a place," portending the Hall's
extensive record as host to political leaders, activists, and historical
figures in need of a public forum, notably including Booker T. Washing-
ton, Mark Twain, Margaret Sanger, Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt,
Emmeline Pankhurst, and Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Carnegie Hall's distinguished character and quality has
created beloved folklore surrounding both the illustriousness of the
institution and the talents of its performers with the result that all
veritable New Yorkers know that the answer to "How do you get to Carne-
gie Hall?" is "Practice!"; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Carnegie Hall and for all of the
individuals who have worked tirelessly to celebrate its storied history
and continued success; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 125th Anniversary of Carnegie Hall; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sanford I. Weill, President, Carnegie Hall.