WCSU students to perform tribute to contralto great Marian Anderson

Late Danbury resident first African American to perform at the Met

DANBURY, CONN. — Despite being a gifted contralto singer whose voice could still a crowd, Marian Anderson was denied the opportunity to sing at a performance in Constitution Hall in 1939 by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Three years later, after a scathing letter from Eleanor Roosevelt, the DAR had a change of heart and Anderson performed and went on to become the first African American to sing at the Metropolitan Opera.

On Monday, Feb. 9, as part of Western Connecticut State University’s recognition of black history month, WCSU music students at will perform two tributes to Anderson. A first, abbreviated performance will be at 12:30 p.m. and a longer second performance will be at 8 p.m. Both performances, which are free and the public is invited, will be in the Veronica Hagman Concert Hall of the Visual and Performing Arts Center on the university’s Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury.

Sponsored by the university’s Center for Advancement of Culture and Values, chaired by WCSU Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Dr. Missy Alexander, and the Department of Music, the performance will replicate Anderson’s Oct. 24, 1964, farewell performance at Constitution Hall. Some 20 students will sing in the second performance and works will include Schubert’s “Der Doppelganger,” “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” and “Hear de Lam’s A-Cryin’.”

“The students are very honored to do this,” said Professor of Music Dr. Margaret Astrup, who is in charge of the performances. “I think they recognize the significance of this. Students are very aware of social inequalities, whether it’s race or gender or economic. This is one way they can pay tribute to someone who made a difference in breaking down the barriers of classical music.”

For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.