The Marian Anderson Historical Society Hosts A Classical Vocal Competition

Marian Anderson (1897-1993) was a pioneering opera singer, the first African-American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera as regular company member in 1955. In February of 2009 her life will be commemorated in Philadelphia.
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THE MARIAN ANDERSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOSTS

THE FIRST ANNUAL CLASSICAL ICON VOCAL COMPETITION, DINNER, AND CELEBRITY BALL AT THE RENOWNED FRANKLIN INSTITUTE

Contact:
Phyllis Sims, 215.732.9505
Franchella Slater, 610.656.9089

(Philadelphia, PA -- January 26, 2009) The Marian Anderson Historical Society presents their first annual Classical Icon Vocal Competition, Dinner and Celebrity Ball on Friday, February 27, 2009, to help raise financial resources for aspiring young opera singers.

Celebrities, socialites, arts patrons and friends from the entertainment and financial community have been invited to support this first annual national fundraising effort.

Philadelphia Mayor and Mrs. Michael A. Nutter, District Attorney Lynne Abraham, Council President Anna C. Verna, Peter Nero, Willie Johnson, Dr. Constance Clayton, the Honorable Augusta Clark, Esq. and many other outstanding patrons will turn out in support of the talented young artists who follow in the footsteps of Marian Anderson.

Appreciation awards will be presented to Willie Johnson, Chairman of PRWT Services, Inc. and Rep. Dwight Evans for their commitment and support to assist MAHS's scholar's program and keeping the legacy of Marian Anderson alive.

The evening will feature ten finalists from across America and Nigeria who will perform under the stars of the Planetarium at the Franklin Institute. They will be accompanied by pianist Barry Sames on the finest Bosendorfer concert grand piano, donated for the evening by the prestigious Cunningham Piano Company.

A panel of esteemed judges including Robert Driver, General and Artistic Director of the Opera Company of Philadelphia; Dr. Susan Lyle, Associate Professor of Voice, Petrie School of Music, Converse College, Spartanburg, S.C., where the 8 ft tall bronze statue of Marian Anderson is installed; Dr. Lloyd Mallory, Conductor; and David Perry, classical guitarist/musician and film producer will select three winners. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000; second prize $5,000; and third prizes $2,500.

"It is extremely important that we continue the legacy of Marian Anderson by encouraging opera training, promoting tourism and sponsoring arts education," said Blanche Burton-Lyles, founder of the Marian Anderson Historical Society.

The Franklin Institute will be transformed into a beautiful setting from the era of Marian Anderson by decorators Bobby Parker and Mark Birts. Each table will be adorned with the singer's favorite yellow rose as a centerpiece along with various photographs from Marian Anderson's illustrious career.

Following the concert, guests will be escorted into Franklin Hall for cocktails, dining and dancing to the Marian Anderson Historical Society Tribute Orchestra performing America's classics under the baton of Samuel Reed, featuring Philadelphia's top musicians and premier jazz vocalist Michal Beckham.

Marian Anderson was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Webster Street in the heart of South Philadelphia. A woman of simple dignity and serene charm, she first began singing in the choir of Union Baptist Church.

She debuted with the New York Philharmonic on August 1, 1925 and scored an immediate success. In 1955, she broke the color barrier by becoming the first African-American to perform a lead role with the world-famous New York Metropolitan Opera.

MARIAN ANDERSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC.
Marian Anderson Residence/Museum
762 Marian Anderson Way (South Martin St)
Philadelphia PA 19146-1822
215.732.9505

Blanche Burton-Lyles
Founder/President
Phyllis Sims
Curator,Director/Marketing
http://www.MarianAnderson.org
email: phyllis@MarianAnderson.org

"Charting the Course of Education Through Music"