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Recognizing the 95th Anniversary of the Curtis Institute of Music, its part in training the world’s finest musicians, and for its contributions to the rich cultural fabric of the City of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, For the last 95 years, the Curtis Institute of Music has been an institution in musical education based in Philadelphia. Curtis was founded in 1924 by Mary Louise Curtis Bok. Mrs. Bok was the only child of Philadelphia-based Louisa Knapp and Cyrus H. K. Curtis. Her father’s company, Curtis Publishing Company, produced two of the most popular magazines in America: the Saturday Evening Post and the Ladies' Home Journal; and
WHEREAS, Curtis’s rare tuition-free policy was established in 1928 and to this day provides merit-based, full-tuition scholarships for all Curtis students. Students continue to be accepted for study at Curtis solely on the basis of their artistic talent and promise; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Bok assembled a faculty that would attract the most promising students, and developed a philosophy ensuring that these exceptionally gifted young musicians would receive training to prepare them for careers as performing artists on the highest professional level. Curtis continues this history of excellence today; and
WHEREAS, Curtis alumni have gone on to make history as soloists, composers, conductors, orchestral players, and chamber musicians. Curtis graduates have received Pulitzer Prizes, Guggenheim Fellowships, and Avery Fisher Awards and are in the front rank of soloists and conductors; and
WHEREAS, Curtis graduates are members of the world’s leading orchestras, including principals in every major American orchestra. They have sung with La Scala, Covent Garden, the Vienna Staatsoper, and the San Francisco Opera, among others, and more than sixty have sung at the Metropolitan Opera; and
WHEREAS, Curtis provides a unique musical education for its students. The student body remains around 175 musicians and the school maintains an elite 4% acceptance rate. Each student receives instruction from a faculty of performer-practitioners and world-renowned visiting artists; and
WHEREAS, With esteemed graduates leading and performing in the most prestigious musical bodies across the globe, the power of Curtis’s legacy far surpasses its size. The Curtis campus reflects the rich heritage of the institution and the many musicians who have been trained here.; and
WHEREAS, In addition to prominent solo careers, many Curtis alumni have gone on to positions in major orchestras, opera companies, chamber ensembles; hold teaching positions at renowned educational institutions; work with important community outreach organizations; and more; and
WHEREAS, In celebration of its 95th Anniversary, the Curtis Institute is coordinating Philadelphia Music Week 2019 from October 15th through the 21st; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia Music Week is a celebration of our City’s vibrant music community. Coordinated by the Curtis Institute of Music, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, and REC Philly, the week’s events include public performances and educational opportunities presented by Philadelphia-area music organizations, venues, and artists; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, By the City Council of Philadelphia, recognizes the 95th Anniversary of the Curtis Institute of Music and Philadelphia Music Week 2019.
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