The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Creates Marian Anderson Artistic Initiative

Initiative showcases composers and artists who embody Marian Anderson’s legacy

Initiative launches with Terence Blanchard’s Orchestral Suite from Fire Shut Up in My Bones, which receives its world premiere during the Orchestra’s first Opening Night in Marian Anderson Hall

(Philadelphia, September 19, 2024)—The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts is launching the Marian Anderson Artistic Initiative, celebrating the legendary contralto, civil rights icon, and Philadelphian through artistic presentations that honor her legacy. The Marian Anderson Artistic Initiative showcases composers and artists who embody Ms. Anderson’s passion for increasing inclusivity, diversity, equity, and access in the performing arts, contributing to the advancement of a more representative art form.

The first work to be performed as part of the Initiative is the world premiere of Terence Blanchard’s Orchestral Suite from Fire Shut Up in My Bones, co-commissioned by Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra. The work will kick off the Orchestra’s Opening Night Concert on September 26, 2024—the first Opening Night to take place in Marian Anderson Hall, which was dedicated on June 8, 2024. The Marian Anderson Artistic Initiative is supported in part by the Wyncote Foundation. 

“With Marian Anderson’s name gracing the hall that is the home of The Philadelphia Orchestra, her daily presence now becomes a galvanizing force for our organization, and for all Philadelphians,” said Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts President and CEO Matías Tarnopolsky. “This profound and joyful transformation enabled us to frame a season of diverse performances in her honor, and to build on our core artistic belief that the arts are for everyone. We are committed to expanding this direction with the powerful legacy of Marian Anderson as our North Star.” 

The following works and presentations in the 2024–25 season of The Philadelphia Orchestra will be part of the Marian Anderson Artistic Initiative:

• The world premiere of Terence Blanchard’s Orchestral Suite from Fire Shut Up in My Bones, a co-commission from Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra, being performed on Opening Night (September 26, 2024)
• William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 2 (“Song of a New Race”) and Margaret Bonds’s The Montgomery Variations, inspired by events of the civil rights movement and receiving its first Philadelphia Orchestra subscription performances (January 16–18, 2025)
• The world premiere of Gabriela Lena Frank’s Picaflor, a commission from Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra (March 13–15, 2025)
• The first Philadelphia Orchestra performances of Barbara Assiginaak’s Eko-Bmijwang (As Long in Time as the River Flows) (April 3–5, 2025)
• Florence Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement, which will be performed by Lara Downes with Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra (May 23, 24, and 29, 2025)

About Marian Anderson Hall

Marian Anderson Hall, home of The Philadelphia Orchestra, is the first major concert venue in the world named in honor of the legendary contralto, civil rights icon, and Philadelphian. The Hall is 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.

Marian Anderson Hall is named in her honor by a visionary $25 million philanthropic gift from Richard Worley and Leslie Miller. Worley has been a member of The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Board of Trustees since 1997 and served as chair from 2009 to 2019. Miller is a former Kimmel Center trustee and previous acting president of the Kimmel Center. With this commitment, they are among the largest donors in Philadelphia Orchestra history. Additional generous support for Marian Anderson Hall was given by Sidney and Caroline Kimmel.

In addition to The Philadelphia Orchestra, also appearing in Marian Anderson Hall will be Resident Companies, Ensemble Arts Philly presentations, and performing arts groups from around the world. 

A complete media kit about Marian Anderson Hall can be found here.