1838                             Joint Resolutions

The future now holds promise of better things. The Board of
Directors, a group of public spirited citizens has formed a non-profit,
non-stock corporation, named "The Lyric Foundation, Inc.," having
as one of its express purposes the preservation of the Lyric and the
making of proper and necessary repairs and improvements for a more
effective operation. Recently, after having acquired a majority in-
terest in the stock of the Lyric Company, the Foundation purchased
the Theatre and other properties belonging to and associated with
the operation of the Lyric Theatre. This Foundation is tax exempt
by the Federal Government and Baltimore City.

The Lyric has been a landmark in Baltimore City since 1894. Orig-
inally called "The Music Hall," it was designed after the famous
Leipzig Meues Grewandhaus. The success of the Lyric from the time
of its inception was immediate, and its reputation is world-wide. Its
acoustical perfection is recognized as being outstanding. Great
musical artists have performed at the Lyric, and particularly
Madame Nellie Melba, who sang on opening night, have commented
on the peculiar and almost perfect qualities of its auditorium for
acoustical effects. Present day acoustical experts rate the hall of the
Lyric Theatre as one of the best in the world. The Boston Symphony
performed at the first concert given in the Lyric Theatre and also
performed at the Seventy-fifth Anniversary Concert.

In view of the historical, useful and honorable tradition of the
Lyric Theatre, we believe its preservation and continued operation
are vital to the people of Baltimore City and the State of Maryland,
and every reasonable encouragement should be given to its manage-
ment.

Therefore, the members of the General Assembly of Maryland are
delighted to add the aforegoing testimonial to this concert hall and
enthusiastically endorse the continued operation of the Lyric Theatre
as a non-profit and tax-free structure.

The Lyric Theatre is in fact an historical monument; now, there-
fore, be it

Resolved by the General Assembly of Maryland, That this Body
congratulates and commends the management and the ownership of
the Lyric Theatre for their outstanding achievements in preserving
this historical and cultural attraction, and we, therefore, endorse its
designation as an HISTORICAL MONUMENT; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of State of Maryland is directed to
send copies of this Resolution under the Great Seal of the State of
Maryland to the Directors of the Lyric Foundation, Inc., and the
Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City.

Approved May 6, 1971.

No. 35
(House Joint Resolution 46)

House Joint Resolution requesting the Governor to proclaim the week
of June 13 to 20, 1971, as "Fine Arts Week" in Maryland.