Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Johnstown, Pennsylvania, local, James Blachly, on his 2021 Grammy win. In April 2018, Blachly and the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra performed the U.S. world premiere of Dame Ethel Smyth's ``The Prison.'' It was this performance that won the 2021 Grammy. Serving as the music director of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and as music director of the Experiential Orchestra, Mr. Blachly is known for his innovative programming which aims to increase audience engagement. James is an incredibly talented conductor and composer. In 2016, he was the only conductor from the United States invited to participate in the first annual Young Conductors Showcase as part of El Sistema's 40th anniversary celebration, and he was the only U.S. conductor to be invited as Conducting Fellow in Maestra Marin Alsop's final year at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music. Congratulations to James and the Johnstown Symphony. Their hard work and dedication have truly paid off. ____________________”