Opera Talk: Marian Anderson, an American Icon

Each year, the library chooses a book for the Big Read, which encourages the community to read, discuss, and participate in thematic events. This year we are recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.

Our Big Read book is
The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row
by Anthony Ray Hinton.

Marian Anderson is a cultural icon whose contralto voice broke through racial barriers in the operatic world and ultimately in American society. Her beautiful, illustrious voice is most memorable through her controversial recital on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 and her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1955.

This presentation by opera singer, arts librarian, and founder of Opera Talks, Tanisha Mitchell, will include an audiovisual look at Marian Anderson’s career, as well as a live aria performed by Tanisha. This program will take place at Christ Episcopal Church, located at 20 Carroll Street, Poughkeepsie.