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Classical Notes, 2009: News, Information & Events.

Orchestra 2001 20th Anniversary Season Celebration

Blanche Burton Lyles, Marian Anderson Historical Society Founder/President was a guest of Ronald Vigue, Executive Director of the Orchestra 2001 concert to celebrate their 20th Anniversary Season. Highlights of concert was Curtis Institute of Music alumnae Marcantonio Barone, pianist and head of the piano department and assistant director of the Bryn Mawr Conservatory of Music as well as teaching piano, keyboard harmony, and chamber music at Swarthmore College; and Elizabeth Pitcairn, famed violin virtuoso and haled as America's most beloved and unique soloists. She is also the owner of the Red Violin, which inspired the Academy Award-winning film, "The Red Violin." which featured actor Samuel L. Jackson.

Conducted by Maestro James Freeman, recipient of the Philadelphia Music Foundation's first award for Achievement in Classical Music. Maestro Freeman was recognized last year by Mayor Nutter's office for his contribution to the cultural life of Philadelphia.  For more information and extended story, contact PAsims@aol.com

Photo 1 - Elizabeth and Ron
Photo 2 - Blanche and Marcantonio
Photo 3 - Blanche and Elizabeth

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See our Marian Anderson Scholar Lis Stevens as winner of a vocal competition in Italy

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"GERRY" LENFEST Donates Philadelphia Award to Marian Anderson Historical Society

PHILADELPHIA, PA.  Philanthropists and civic leaders Mr. H. Fitzgerald "Gerry" and Mrs. Marguerite Lenfest presented their $25,000 Philadelphia Award Honorarium to the Marian Anderson Historical Society.  The Lenfests' received the Award on May 13, 2009, when they won the 2008 Philadelphia Award.  Mr. Lenfest presented the $25,000 award to Blanche Burton-Lyles, founder of the Marian Anderson Historical Society. The ceremony took place at the Marian Anderson Residence/Museum.  Trustees of the Marian Anderson Award and friends of the Society attended. The Lenfests' selected the Marian Anderson Historical Society as the recipient of the Philadelphia Award honorarium because of their belief in the importance and continuation of classical music--one of the many reasons they received the Award  The MAHS's mission is to continue Marian Anderson's legacy by assisting and mentoring vocal classical artists in their professional careers.

MAHS founder, Blanche Burton Lyles stated "I was overwhelmed and appreciative of the Lenfests' generosity in recognizing the mission of the Society.

The current expansion of the Curtis Institute can be attributed to Mr. and Mrs. Lenfests' passion and generosity.

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70th anniversary of Marian Anderson's historic performance at the Lincoln Memorial Easter Sunday, 1939

Marian Anderson Historical Society invites you to join them to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Marian Anderson's historic performance at the Lincoln Memorial Easter Sunday, 1939. 

WHEN:  Easter Sunday, April 12th, 2009 at 4PM
WHERE:  Tindley Temple UME Church
Rev. Elaine Ayers, Pastor
762 South Broad Street (Broad & Fitzwater)

Featuring the Marian Anderson Scholar/Artists:
Jason Coffey, baritone
Paula Newberry, soprano
Karen Slack, soprano
Elisabeth Stevens, soprano
Joshua Stewart, tenor
Kristin Young, soprano

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
www.MarianAnderson.org
email: phyllis@MarianAnderson.org
"Charting the Course of Education Through Music"

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To view the FINALISTS for the Marian Anderson Classical Icon Vocal Competition, click here.

MARIAN ANDERSON HERITAGE VILLAGE

The Marian Anderson Historical Society is proud to announce the dedication of the MARIAN ANDERSON HERITAGE VILLAGE. With permission from the City of Philadelphia, the official announcement will take place THURSDAY, November 29th, 2007 at 3:00 P.M., Tindley Temple United Methodist Church, 762 South Broad Street (SW Corner Broad and Fitzwater Streets). This historical event is supported by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, The City of Philadelphia and The Honorable Anna C. Verna; it is approved by The Art Commission; and it is The brain child and dream of Blanche Burton Lyles, Founder/President of the Marian Anderson Historical Society who states: "the MAHV will further preserve and educate the community, the nation and the world about Philadelphia's treasure, Marian Anderson, the greatest contralto in the world who broke barriers in 1939 when over 75,000 fans gathered at the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday, and in 1955 as the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. This tribute will increase the pride of a great community." Special banners were designed to hang throughout the Marian Anderson Heritage Village which will be hung on the streets of South Philadelphia between Broad Street to 21st Street and Bainbridge to Christian Streets. The significance of the MAHV will serve as a tourist attraction to invite more tourists to the area.

The "MAHV" encompasses the following:

Marian Anderson Residence Museum located at 762 S. Marian Anderson Way (Martin Street) purchased by Marian Anderson in 1924.

The Marian Anderson Birthplace located at 1833 Marian Anderson Place (Webster Street), born February 27, 1897.

Union Baptist Church, located SW Corner 19th & Fitzwater Streets (Marian Anderson's home church). Rev. Donald K. West, Interim Pastor, stated: "The Marian Anderson Heritage Village is befitting of a woman who left a rich history and legacy not only to Philadelphia but also to our nation and to our world."

Rev. Dr. William J. Shaw, Pastor of White Rock Baptist Church and President of the National Baptist Convention states: "Philadelphia and the Nation should recognize the pioneering work of this great woman."

Marian Anderson Recreation Center, located at 17th & Catharine Streets.

E. M. Stanton Elementary School located at 17th & Christian Streets.

Tindley Temple United Methodist Church, located at 762 South Broad Street (Mother, Anna Anderson's home church).  Rev. Thomas A. Jackmon, Sr., Senior Pastor, states: "This community would be well represented by such an honor."

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Sonya Toler, Executive Director, Governor's Advisory Commission on African American Affairs states: "We would like to commend the Marian Anderson Historical Society for seeing this vision to fruition.  All Pennsylvanians and Philadelphians should celebrate the legacy of Marian Anderson."

U.S. Congressman Robert "Bob" Brady stated: "Marian Anderson was truly Philadelphia's treasure…  She was known as "The Voice of the Century" and the mother of America 's civil rights movement.  It is only fitting that this area be named after her."

Philadelphia Inquirer Freelance Writer Jeremiah Scalia stated “Though my Inquirer article suggested “Anderson Yards” I’m now fully behind the “Marian Anderson Heritage Village” name.  This tribute to Ms. Anderson and honor to this great neighborhood where she grew up, will bring a new level of recognition and appreciation in a more significant and deserving way.  It will be a great day for Philadelphia and all it’s neighborhoods!!

Dr. Nancy M. Shawcross, Curator of Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania Libraries stated “It is a honor to write on behalf of Marian Anderson, her musical legacy, and her commitment to community…..As the one responsible for overseeing the cataloging of the Marian Anderson Collection, I have been touched by Ms. Anderson’s dignity and how her life and career bear witness to the importance of community.  Born 27 February 1897 in Philadelphia, Marian Anderson remains one of the great musical treasures of Philadelphia.  …..I applaud Blanche Burton-Lyles for her commitment to continuing the tradition of community that served Marian Anderson so well.  Her tireless and creative work in keeping Marian Anderson’s memory alive is nothing short of extraordinary and a fitting tribute to the vibrant and caring South Philadelphia neighborhood that produced Ms. Anderson-a neighborhood that her mother and sisters never wanted to leave.”

District Attorney Lynne Abraham stated: "Please extend to my friend, Blanche Burton-Lyles, my heartiest congratulations on this great occasion. Unfortunately, I will be in San Antonio, Texas and unable to celebrate, except by this note. Blanche is not only singularly talented, but also one of the most fervent admirers of The Great Contralto, Marian Anderson. I marvel at her dedication to keeping the name and great acts of bravery demonstrated by Ms. Anderson in the forefront of our minds. To this I say, Bravo, Ms. Burton-Lyles and Cent Anni."

Marian Anderson 112th Birthday

Friday, February 27, 2009

Friday, February 27, 2009 The Marian Anderson Historical Society invites you to celebrate the 112th Birthday of Marian Anderson.

1:00PM -5:00PM, OPEN HOUSE

Marian Anderson Residence Museum
762 South Marian Anderson Way (Martin Street) between 19th & 20th and Fitzwater and Catharine Sts

6:00 PM MARIAN ANDERSON CELEBRATION CONCERT

featuring:
Marian Anderson Scholar/Artists
UNION BAPTIST CHURCH

1910 Fitzwater St. (across the Street from the MA residence)

Details: Marian Anderson’s residence was designated a historic site in 2004 by the Philadelphia Historical Commission. The property was purchased by Miss Anderson in 1924. Blanche Burton Lyles, Founder of the Marian Anderson Historical Society states: “The home of Marian Anderson will be filled with festive activities featuring a Mardi Gras theme with music from Marian Anderson’s repertoire, Marian Anderson Scholar/Artists performances, special guests including welcome greetings from Philadelphia's District Attorney, The Honorable Lynne Abraham, libations and more. We invite students and the community to find out more about Philadelphia’s "treasure” and the Marian Anderson Heritage Village.
For more information, contact Blanche Burton Lyles or Phyllis Sims

Marian Anderson Historical Society
762 S. Marian Anderson Way
Philadelphia PA 19146-1822
215.732.9505
"charting the course of education thru music"

Tracie Luck Luck makes her debut in title role of Margaret Garner

Fullbright Scholarship Students Free Concert

Dear Friends: Last year we hosted and entertained the Fullbright Scholarship Students from the International Visitors Center for dinner and cocktails. This year we hosted 9 on Friday, March 16th at 6:30 PM. We had a great time entertaining this group. Although the weather was snowy and icy, the party made you forget what was happening outside. The Fullbrights are in graduate programs. They included:

Ms. Marian Ait, Estonia, Harvard Law School

Ms. Pia Zwinoun, Lebanon, Illinois State University, Clinical and Counseling Psychology; Ms. Sonay Kanber,Turkey, Georgetown University, Western European Studies (halal); Mr. Obrien Simasiku, Namibia, Syracuse University, International Relations; Mrs. Lubna Asif, Pakistan, Southern Illinois University, Development Economics-Sociology.

Also, 3 Fullbright Alumni

Ms. Rebecca Davis, Fulbright 2004-05, Russian Method of Dance & Choreography, Founder & Artistic Director of the Rebecca Davis Dance Co.; Mr. Rodney Collins, Fullbright 2005-06, Urban Coffeehouses in Contemporary Tunisia, PhD Candidate and Ms. Aisha Bhagat, Fulbright 5005-06, Women and Civil Society Participation, Researcher.

For more info, contact Phyllis Sims at:

Marian Anderson Historical Society
762 S. Marian Anderson Way
Philadelphia PA 19146-1822
215.732.9505