Blanche Burton-LylesFounder, Marian Anderson Historical Society

Sample ImageIn the world of classical music, seasoned and multifaceted concert pianist Blanche Burton-Lyles is one of the most talented women to grace world-renowned stages, ballrooms, and musical circuits.

A South Philadelphia native, and member of Union Baptist Church , she continues to actively enjoy a career that has spanned well over 40 years.

A graduate of the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, this illustrious performer became the first African-American woman pianist to receive the coveted Bachelor of Music degree. She studied under Madam Isabella Vengerova and Leo Ornstein, Sr. Recommended to the Curtis Institute by her mentor, Marian Anderson, Burton-Lyles states “Miss Anderson took an interest in my talents at an early age and was always very encouraging.”

Ms. Lyles also received a music degree from Temple University . Burton-Lyles is a retired music educator of the Philadelphia Public School System. A recipient of many outstanding performance awards and humanitarian honors, she was the first African-American woman pianist to play at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

Burton-Lyles played many times for Miss Anderson's guests in her home and she states, “It is an extraordinary accomplishment and blessing to have acquired Anderson 's historical residence as of January 1998. She later acquired the Marian Anderson birthplace. Both sites are an international attraction for visitors worldwide.

Recent honors include the Shirley Chisholm Award; Mary McLeod Bethune Award; Awards from Delta Sigma Theta (Judge Sadie Alexander); Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's Edyth Ingram Award as well as the Philadelphia 76er's Community Service Award; and the Martin Luther King, Jr. 2007 Drum Major Honoree for her excellent musical expertise and community service on behalf of the Marian Anderson Historical Society. January 15, 2007 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. High School.

In addition to her musical performances, Ms Burton-Lyles is the Founder/President of the Marian Anderson Historical Society, Inc. and maintains the Marian Anderson residence/museum and the Marian Anderson birthplace. To schedule a lecture, tour, master class, guest appearance or performance engagement, contact Phyllis Sims, Director of Media Relations at Phyllis@MarianAnderson.org.

For current news about Blanche Burton-Lyles, please visit the Classical Notes page.

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