Recognizing the Contributions of Jack Riddle

Floor Speech

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Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a visionary leader who has dedicated his career to advocacy for the arts in Maine. Throughout his career, Jack Riddle has worked tirelessly to elevate opera in Maine, ensuring the artform is accessible and inclusive to all. He has made certain that Mainers, and visitors alike, have the opportunity to connect with this historic tradition of storytelling through music and song.

In 1994, Jack co-founded Opera Maine, the state's only professional opera company, with a dream of providing high-quality opera productions to the people of Maine. Though our state did not yet have an established opera community at that time, Jack believed in his vision of establishing a local company that would showcase nationally recognized singers and composers. As the former president of the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Jack possessed a strong background in arts leadership and marketing in New England. His skills and experience were essential to Opera Maine's founding.

As the company grew, Jack served as a trusted board member and the principal fundraiser, securing major gifts and guiding the board through a recession and a pandemic. Jack's unwavering passion and energy have been essential to the growth and success of the organization. And the calculated risks he has taken over the years for the advancement of the artform, remaining steadfast in his eternal optimism about the importance of opera, have been critical to growing the audiences.

For more than 35 years, Jack has worked to expand the opera community in Maine, ensuring that it is affordable and accessible to all. From including contemporary works in English, to providing no- to low-cost tickets for all Opera Maine productions and programs for anyone under age 25, active-duty and retired military and first responders, and their families, the company has brought new audiences and appreciators to opera. Opera Maine has also led free in-school programming across the state, teaching thousands of students about the fundamentals of opera.

Additionally, Jack has worked to strengthen Opera Maine's Studio Artist Program, which provides annual trainings and performance opportunities for emerging and professional artists seeking opera careers.

Jack Riddle's enthusiasm, vision, and commitment to Maine's vibrant arts community make me very proud to represent him and the State of Maine in Congress. I wish him continued success, and I thank him for his many years of influential work.

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