[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 18023] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING AMERICAN PHILHARMONIC-SONOMA COUNTY ______ HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY of california in the house of representatives Thursday, November 18, 2010 Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise with pleasure today to celebrate the American Philharmonic-Sonoma County which has been honored with an invitation from the government of China and the Dalian Yuan Concert Production Company to tour northern China over this coming New Year's holiday. The tour will be sponsored and supported almost entirely by the Chinese government and will include eight concerts in 12 days in Shanghai, Beijing, Yantai, and Qindao. Known as the ``people's orchestra,'' the American Philharmonic performs free concerts at the Wells Fargo Center in Santa Rosa, California, in keeping with their mission: ``To make the beauty of music and the power of community alive and available for everyone.'' Founded 12 years ago, the American Philharmonic-Sonoma County has been offering a variety of musical performances as an all-volunteer organization, with both amateur and professional musicians, 60 to 75 in all. According to volunteer cellist Brian Lloyd, ``We give our time and talent out of love for the music and belief that the gift of beautiful music is nurturing for the community.'' The program on the Chinese tour will celebrate our cultural connections by including American, Chinese, and European music. Music Director Gabriel Sakakeeny will lead the orchestra, and featured soloists will be Sonoma State University piano professor Marilyn Thompson and French violinist Solenn Seguillon. ``This is an incredible opportunity for American Philharmonic.'' says Maestro Sakakeeny. ``It is such an honor to be invited to perform in the Carnegie halls of China, and we are looking forward to sharing our music and representing our country to the Chinese people. It's going to be an amazing tour.'' Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the American Philharmonic-Sonoma County on the eve of a major tour that will share our local treasure with the people of China. ____________________