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Blanche Burton-Lyles
In 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.
The History Makers: Blanche Burton-Lyles
Pianist Blanche Burton-Lyles Inducted Into
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Mitten Hall’s Great Court was aptly named as illustrious Temple University graduates gathered in celebration of their professional achievements. Over 200 guests where in attendance at Thursday’s annual Temple University Alumni Association Luncheon event in which each of the 17 schools and colleges honor two alumni for inspiring successes. Each of the awardees’ photos is on display in the “Gallery of Success” along the lower level of Mitten Hall during the 2009-10 academic year. |
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Pianist Blanche Burton-Lyles, right, a 1971 graduate of Temple University, was inducted into the school’s “Gallery of Success” on Thursday. She is pictured with Temple’s Dean Robert Stroker. – PHOTO/ABDUL SULAYMAN
“Now in its 12th year, the Gallery of Success is a collaborative effort between the Office of Alumni Relations and the Career Center,” explained Christine M. Brady, director of Special Programs. “The gallery’s mission is two-fold: to provide current students an opportunity to be inspired by the success of Temple graduates who have gone before them, and to recognize those alumni who have brought honor to the university by distinguishing themselves in their careers.”
A 1971 graduate of the Boyer College of Music and Dance, Blanche Burton-Lyles was among the honorees. She earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from Temple in 1972 and taught school in the Philadelphia School District for many years before founding the Marian Anderson Historical Society in honor of her world-famous mentor’s life. Although Burton-Lyles has been honored with numerous awards, she was particularly touched by the honor.
“Wow,” said the acclaimed musician. “This is amazing!”