Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago
WHEREAS, the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) was started fifty years ago by thirty musicians from across the nation and Canada to discuss the varying issues concerning the status of symphony orchestras; and
WHEREAS, those thirty musicians met at Roosevelt University in Chicago and their actions birthed significant changes in the musician's ability to bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions; and
WHEREAS, these improvements, resulting from the formation of the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians, have undoubtedly had a resounding impact within culture and upon the overall performance of music and music quality throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians continues to do work on a myriad of levels with and for its members who comprise fifty-one professional orchestras across the united States and Puerto Rico; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera Orchestras and the Grant Park Orchestra, all world renowned, are ICSOM member orchestras whose performances captivate a million audience members a year and whose work cultivates young musicians from all walks of life; and
WHEREAS, from August 22-26, 2012, the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians will assemble in the City of Chicago and conduct its 50th Anniversary Conference with delegates, orchestra members and other player conferences within the American Federation of Musicians to celebrate the founding of ICSOM:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RAHM EMANUEL, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO, do hereby proclaim August 22, 2012 to be INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF SYMPHONY AND OPERA MUSICIANS DAY IN CHICAGO and encourage all Chicagoans to celebrate the work and talents of symphony and opera musicians as well as their impact upon culture.
Dated this 1st day of August, 2012.
(signed)
Rahm Emanuel
Mayor
