SR35: Celebrating the life of John Duffy.
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
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.