Singer honored for her fight for equality, talent

by Janice C. Funk assistant managing editor

Blessed not only with an impeccable voice with incredible range, Marian Anderson also possessed courage and grace in the face of racism.

A tribute was given to Anderson, a black contralto deemed as having "a voice that comes once in a hundred years" by Arturo Toscanini, on Thursday, Feb. 18 in the WidenerLectureHall.

The tribute, led by Blanche Burton Lyles, was part of Cultural Kaleidoscope 'week at Cabrini. Lyles, a long-time family friend of Anderson's, spoke of Anderson personally, remembering her as "so kind and special."

A d<X:umentaryof ~derson was shown, 'highlighting her rise from a choirgirl at Philadelphia's Union Baptist Church to the greatest opera halls of the United>States and .Europe.

,°The special focus of the documentary was Anderson's status as one of the symbols of blacks' fight for equality. The Philadelphia-born Anderson was sent to Europe in the early 1920s by her parents, who knew that abroad, their daughter's operatic talents would not be rejected because of her race.

When she returned to the United States, she met mixed reactions. Nearly an entire country wanted to hear her sing, yet her manager had difficulty finding halls that would not only allow a black performer, but also admit blacks.

Perhaps the most enduring image of Anderson is the Easter Sunday concert she performed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial after she was refused concert dates at other Washington concert halls.

Lyles spoke of the impact Anderson had on her own life. Lyles is a 1954 graduate of the Curtis Institute and is the first black woman to be given a degree by the school. Anderson had recommended Lyles to Curtis.

As both a classical pianist and a friend of Anderson, Lyles recognized the impoi:tance of music education and the difficulties some young students encounter as they pursue their art. Therefore, she worked to start the Marian Anderson Historical Society, a "living monument" to the singer.

The society works to preserve Ander~on's legacy by providing mentoring and scholarships to music students in need. It also keeps her memory alive by memorializing her with gardens and such in her hometown of Philadelphia.

Lyles' most proud accomplishment was the recent purchase of Anderson's home on Martin Street in Philadelphia. It has been reopened as a museum.

Those interested in learning more about the Marian Anderson Historical Society can call (215) 732-6723.

• "Analyze This," starring Robert DeNiro and Billy Crystal;

• "The Other Sister," starring Diane Keaton, Juliette Lewis and Giovanni Ribisi;

• "The Corruptor," starring Mark Wahlberg.

The following albums are set for release on Tuesday, March 9:

• Mase Presents Harlem World with "The Movement";

• Pinhead with "Shoot the Moon";

• Wilco with "Summer Teeth."

The following are concerts coming soon to the area:

• Rod Stewart at the First Union Center on Feb. 26;

• Lee "Scratch" Perry at the TLA on March 3;

• The Black Crowes at the Electric Factory for two nights, March 5 and 6;

• For ticket and show information. check out www.electricfactory.com.

Still deciding about your major?

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How to Choose a Major and a Career Workshop

This is a two-session workshop. Please plan to attend both sessions.

Tuesday, Feb. 23 and Thursday, Feb. 25, 12:30 p.m.-1 :30 p.m. in the Co-op & Career Services Office, 160 Grace Hall.