Marian Anderson (February 27, 1897 – April 8, 1993), an iconic American contralto, was a towering figure in 20th-century music and a pivotal force in the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement. Renowned for her rich, resonant voice and commanding stage presence, Anderson's diverse repertoire spanned from the soaring arias of grand opera to the deeply moving spirituals that resonated with her African-American heritage. Her illustrious career, active between 1925 and 1965, saw her grace stages across the United States and Europe, performing with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras and captivating audiences in major concert and recital venues.

Beyond her remarkable musical talent, Anderson stood as an enduring symbol in the arduous struggle for African-American artists to overcome pervasive racial prejudice and segregation in the United States during the mid-twentieth century. A defining moment in this fight occurred in 1939 when the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), a prominent lineage-based organization, controversially refused to allow her to perform for an integrated audience at their Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. The DAR's policy at the time restricted performances to white artists in their primary venue. This discriminatory act ignited widespread public outrage and thrust Anderson into an unprecedented international spotlight, a level of global attention highly unusual for a classical musician.

In response to this blatant act of racial discrimination, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who was a member of the DAR, famously resigned from the organization in protest. Collaborating with her husband, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and with the crucial assistance of Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes, an alternative and profoundly symbolic performance was organized. On Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939, Marian Anderson delivered a critically acclaimed open-air concert on the majestic steps of the Lincoln Memorial in the nation's capital. This historic event drew an integrated crowd of more than 75,000 people, who gathered in person to witness her performance, while millions more listened live via radio broadcasts, transforming the concert into a powerful national statement against racial injustice. This monumental performance is often cited as a significant early catalyst for the modern Civil Rights Movement.

Anderson continued to break down racial barriers throughout her career. On January 7, 1955, she achieved another landmark, becoming the first African-American singer to perform on stage at the prestigious Metropolitan Opera in New York City. This groundbreaking debut, as Ulrica in Verdi's "Un ballo in maschera," marked a significant step forward for diversity in the world of classical opera. Her commitment to human rights extended beyond the stage; she served as a delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Committee and later as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United States Department of State, embarking on extensive international tours to share her music and promote cultural understanding across the globe.

A steadfast participant in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, Anderson lent her powerful voice to the cause, notably singing at the monumental March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in August 1963, a gathering where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Her numerous contributions were recognized with a plethora of esteemed awards and honors throughout her lifetime, solidifying her legacy as an American icon:

• The first ever Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963, bestowed by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
• The Congressional Gold Medal in 1977.
• The Kennedy Center Honors in 1978.
• The National Medal of Arts in 1986.
• A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991.

The Metropolitan Opera: A Pillar of Classical Music

The Metropolitan Opera (commonly referred to as "the Met") stands as a beacon of classical music in North America, renowned globally as a premier American opera company. Based in the vibrant cultural hub of New York City, its permanent home since 1966 has been the magnificent Metropolitan Opera House, a central architectural masterpiece within the sprawling Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The Met operates as a non-profit entity under the stewardship of the Metropolitan Opera Association, currently led by General Manager Peter Gelb. As of 2018, the company's artistic direction has been guided by the distinguished Music Director, Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

Founded in 1883, the Met emerged as a bold alternative to the then-dominant Academy of Music opera house. While the Academy catered primarily to New York's established "old money" elite, the Met was conceived by a new generation of industrialists and financiers who sought a grander, more modern venue for opera. Its inaugural performance took place in October 1883 in its first dedicated building, famously known as the "Old Met," situated at 39th Street and Broadway. This historic venue served as its home for over eight decades before the company made its momentous relocation to the purpose-built Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center in 1966, marking a new era for the institution.

As the largest classical music organization on the continent, the Met presents an ambitious and extensive opera season. Until 2019, its schedule typically featured approximately 27 different operas each year, running from late September through May. The company adheres to a dynamic rotating repertory schedule, a system where multiple productions are performed throughout the week, allowing audiences to experience a diverse range of works within a short period. This typically involves up to seven performances of four different operas staged each week. Performances are generally held on evenings from Monday through Saturday, with an additional matinee performance on Saturday afternoons.

Each season, the Met introduces several new productions, which may sometimes be collaborative efforts, borrowed from, or shared with other leading international opera companies. The remainder of the season's offerings consist of revivals – cherished productions from previous seasons that are brought back to the stage due to their enduring popularity or artistic merit. For instance, the 2015-2016 season alone showcased an impressive 227 performances across 25 distinct operas. The breadth of the Met's repertoire is truly expansive, encompassing works from the elegant 18th-century Baroque period and the melodic 19th-century Bel canto tradition to the compelling Minimalism of the late 20th and 21st centuries. These operas are brought to life through staged productions that vary widely in artistic style, ranging from those featuring elaborate, meticulously traditional decors to others that embrace contemporary, conceptual designs.

The Met's formidable performing company is a collective of highly skilled professionals, featuring a large, world-class symphony orchestra, a powerful chorus, a dedicated children's choir, and an array of supporting and internationally acclaimed leading solo singers. Throughout the season, the company also engages numerous freelance dancers, actors, musicians, and other specialized performers, contributing to the richness and depth of its productions. The Met's extensive roster of singers includes both globally recognized international artists and exceptionally talented American performers, many of whom have honed their craft and launched significant careers through the Met's acclaimed young artist development programs. While many celebrated singers make periodic guest appearances with the company, others cultivate a close, long-standing association with the Met, performing multiple roles each season for many years until their retirement, becoming integral parts of the Met's artistic family.

Frequently Asked Questions about Marian Anderson and the Metropolitan Opera

Who was Marian Anderson?

Marian Anderson was a trailblazing American contralto, celebrated for her powerful voice and wide-ranging musical repertoire. Beyond her musical achievements, she was a crucial figure in the fight against racial discrimination, particularly known for her historic 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial after being denied a venue by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

What was the significance of Marian Anderson's 1939 Lincoln Memorial concert?

The 1939 Lincoln Memorial concert was a pivotal moment in American history, symbolizing a powerful stand against racial segregation. After being denied permission to sing at Constitution Hall due to her race, Anderson performed before an integrated crowd of over 75,000 people and millions more by radio, with the support of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This event brought national attention to racial injustice and is often considered a precursor to the modern Civil Rights Movement.

When did Marian Anderson perform at the Metropolitan Opera?

Marian Anderson made history on January 7, 1955, when she became the first African-American singer to perform at the Metropolitan Opera, debuting as Ulrica in Giuseppe Verdi's opera "Un ballo in maschera." This landmark performance broke significant racial barriers in classical music.

What humanitarian and diplomatic roles did Marian Anderson hold?

Beyond her musical career, Marian Anderson served as a delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Committee and as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United States Department of State. In these roles, she traveled globally, promoting cultural exchange and advocating for human rights.

What is the Metropolitan Opera?

The Metropolitan Opera, or "the Met," is North America's largest and most prestigious classical music organization and opera company. Based in New York City' it is renowned for its expansive repertoire, high-quality productions, and a roster of world-class singers, orchestra, and chorus.

Where is the Metropolitan Opera located?

The Metropolitan Opera is located in the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. It has been its permanent home since 1966.

How many operas does the Met typically present in a season?

Until 2019, the Metropolitan Opera typically presented around 27 different operas each season, which runs from late September through May. The company operates on a rotating repertory schedule, offering multiple performances of different works each week.