SR35: Celebrating the life of John Duffy.


SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 35
Celebrating the life of John Duffy.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, February 4, 2016
 

WHEREAS, John Duffy of Norfolk, an esteemed and award-winning composer whose life and work reflected his advocacy for social change, a strong supporter of the Virginia Arts Festival, and veteran of the United States military, died on December 22, 2015; and

WHEREAS, John Duffy was born in New York, and was the ninth of 14 children; he was educated in parochial schools, taught himself to play the piano, and sang in school choirs; and

WHEREAS, during World War II, John Duffy served his country as a member of the United States Navy; his experiences in combat had a profound influence on his life, and after the war, he became a pacifist and devoted his life to music; and

WHEREAS, in his lifetime, John Duffy wrote more than 300 compositions and won two Emmy awards; he composed for symphony orchestras, operas, theater, television, and film, and many of his works reflected his social concerns; and

WHEREAS, John Duffy founded Meet the Composer, now known as New Music USA, to support the work of American composers; he was an effective advocate for higher wages for composers; and

WHEREAS, after living in New York for many years, John Duffy retired and moved to Hampton Roads; while living in the Commonwealth, he composed two works to celebrate the centennial of Newport News Shipbuilding, “Pride of Virginia” and “Fanfare for Shipbuilders”; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Arts Festival’s John Duffy Composers Institute was created by the composer to encourage and train young composers; he was a strong supporter of the annual spring arts festival held throughout Hampton Roads; and

WHEREAS, John Duffy will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his children, Maura and Mark, and their families; and many other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of John Duffy of Norfolk, a distinguished and award-winning composer, founder of a composers’ institute at the Virginia Arts Festival, and veteran of the United States military who was a strong advocate for social change; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of John Duffy as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s respect for his memory.

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 35

Offered January 28, 2016
Celebrating the life of John Duffy.
Patron-- Lewis

WHEREAS, John Duffy of Norfolk, an esteemed and award-winning composer whose life and work reflected his advocacy for social change, a strong supporter of the Virginia Arts Festival, and veteran of the United States military, died on December 22, 2015; and

WHEREAS, John Duffy was born in New York, and was the ninth of 14 children; he was educated in parochial schools, taught himself to play the piano, and sang in school choirs; and

WHEREAS, during World War II, John Duffy served his country as a member of the United States Navy; his experiences in combat had a profound influence on his life, and after the war, he became a pacifist and devoted his life to music; and

WHEREAS, in his lifetime, John Duffy wrote more than 300 compositions and won two Emmy awards; he composed for symphony orchestras, operas, theater, television, and film, and many of his works reflected his social concerns; and

WHEREAS, John Duffy founded Meet the Composer, now known as New Music USA, to support the work of American composers; he also was an effective advocate for higher wages for composers; and

WHEREAS, after living in New York for many years, John Duffy retired and moved to Hampton Roads; while living in the Commonwealth, he composed two works to celebrate the centennial of Newport News Shipbuilding, “Pride of Virginia” and “Fanfare for Shipbuilders”; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Arts Festival’s John Duffy Composers Institute was created by the composer to encourage and train young composers; he was a strong supporter of the annual spring arts festival held throughout Hampton Roads; and

WHEREAS, John Duffy will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his children, Maura and Mark, and their families; and many other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of John Duffy of Norfolk, a distinguished and award-winning composer, founder of a composers’ institute at the Virginia Arts Festival, and veteran of the United States military who was a strong advocate for social change; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of John Duffy as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s respect for his memory.