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Marian Anderson - Of Thee We Sing

Linton Stephens reflects on the life of the African American contralto Marian Anderson’s role as a symbol of the civil rights movement, guided by mezzo soprano Denyce Graves.

In 1939 The Daughters of the American Revolution refused to let the world renowned contralto Marian Anderson perform at Constitution Hall, Washington's largest concert hall, because of the colour of her skin. The staging of the concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial made history and was a watershed moment in the history of civil rights. Bassoonist Linton Stephens, a member of Europe's first majority-Black, Asian and ethnically diverse Chineke! Orchestra, goes in search of Anderson’s legacy. Guided by mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves – a recipient of the Marian Anderson Award – he travels to Washington to visit the Lincoln Memorial.
In Philadelphia, Linton meets with CEO of the Marian Anderson Museum, Jillian Patricia Pirtle to discover more about Marian Anderson's life and reflects on her role as a symbol of the civil rights movement.

With contributions from historian, Dr Kira Thurmann, political advisor Allida Black and the New York Metropolitan Opera's Chief Diversity Officer, Marcia Sells

Produced by Calantha Bonnissent

Photo - Mezzo soprano Denyce Graves with presenter Linton Stephens on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.

Available now

44 minutes

Last on

Sun 27 Feb 2022 18:45
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3

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Music Played

  • Franz Schubert

    Ave Maria, D839

    Performer: Franz Rupp. Singer: Marian Anderson.
    • Sony.

  • Traditional Spiritual

    My Soul's been anchored in the Lord

    Music Arranger: Florence Price. Singer: Marian Anderson. Performer: Franz Rupp.

  • Traditional American Spiritual

    Deep River

    Music Arranger: Harry Burleigh. Singer: Marian Anderson. Performer: Franz Rupp.
    • RCA.

  • Billy Strayhorn

    Take the "A" Train

    Performer: Duke Ellington. Performer: Ray Nance.
    • Battle of the Bands.
    • BMG.
    • 18.

  • Trad.

    He's got the whole world in his Hands

    Performer: Marian Anderson. Performer: Franz Rupp.
    • RCA.

  • Jean Sibelius

    Sav, sav, susa (Reed, reed, rustle), Op. 36, No. 4

    Performer: Marian Anderson. Performer: Kosti Vehanen.
    • naxos.

  • Johannes Brahms

    Alto Rhapsody op. 53

    Singer: Marian Anderson. Choir: Municipal Chorus of San Francisco. Conductor: Pierre Monteux. Orchestra: San Francisco Symphony.
    • Marian Anderson - Beyond the Music.
    • Sony.
    • 12.

  • Trad.

    America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee) [Live at Lincoln Memorial]

    Performer: Marian Anderson. Performer: Kosti Vehanen.
    • JSP.

  • Terence Blanchard

    Peculiar Grace

    Performer: Angel Blue.

  • Giuseppe Verdi

    Un ballo in maschera, Act 1: 'Re dell'abisso, affrettati'

    Singer: Marian Anderson. Singer: Jan Peerce. Choir: Metropolitan Opera Chorus. Orchestra: Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Conductor: Dimitri Mitropoulos.
    • RCA.

  • Traditional Spiritual

    Crucifixion

    Singer: Marian Anderson. Performer: Franz Rupp.
    • DECCA.

Broadcast

  • Sun 27 Feb 2022 18:45
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3

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