Marian Anderson Hall Rededication Announcement

On June 8, 2024, Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts will be rededicated as Marian Anderson Hall in honor of the legendary contralto, civil rights icon, and Philadelphian. The first major concert venue in the world to honor Marian Anderson--85 years after she was barred from performing at Constitution Hall in Washington, DC, because of her race--the hall will be a permanent monument to its namesake's artistry and achievements, a reflection of the inclusive future she helped to engender, and an active testament to the intersection of music, art, and positive social impact. We look forward to celebrating Ms. Anderson’s extraordinary life and legacy and to honoring her in perpetuity with a venue that reflects the ideals by which she lived her life: equity, justice, freedom, and the belief that the arts are for everyone.
For more information, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org/ma...

[@loismiller5944]

A wonderful celebratory representation for a wonderfully gifted, courageous and inspiring woman.

[@pcserialmom4560]

Nice!

[@dahdjidah]

A beautiful gesture by Richard Worley and Leslie Miller. Can't wait to go to Marian Anderson Hall!

[@Timetonut]

I'm super proud of this choice for the, now, Marian Anderson Hall!!!

[@cherylevans6423]

I was blessed to hear Ms. Anderson at Boston Symphony Hall in 1960 and at the March on Washington in '63. She was majestic. I hope she is smiling in HER concert hall.
A

[@BasementCat-ts4ni]

Frankly, tired of institutions blackwashing classical music and opera. I thought for sure an ensemble led by Yannick would be more diverse than Philly Orchestra is. On my first, and to be only, recent attendance, I didn't see a single black musician on stage. Philly Orchestra can TALK all it wants about how it embraces the community that Philly is, but what are you DOING to ensure equal access to music for Philadelphia's children. You can rename all the halls you want and give away all the dress rehearsal tickets that you want. Until Philly Orchestra begins to back programs such as the one in Los Angeles that provides EVERY PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENT A FREE INSTRUMENT AND LESSONS, you're not doing anything in Philadelphia except highlighting the disparities between the haves and the have nots. Access to music education is why orchestras like the LA Philharmonic and St. Louis are more successfully diverse. I have stopped subscribing to the Philly Orchestra and, despite being a Philadelphian, I send my money to LA for this reason. Suggest others do the same.