Sunday Feature: Marian Anderson - Of Thee We Sing

Original version

BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

Sunday Feature

Documentaries

Factual

Exploring music, history, science, philosophy, film, visual arts and literature.

In-depth documentaries which explore music, history, science, philosophy, film, visual arts and literature.

Marian Anderson - Of Thee We Sing

BBC Radio 3 - Sunday Feature, Marian Anderson - Of Thee We Sing

The life and legacy of pioneering contralto Marian Anderson presented by Linton Stephens.

Linton Stephens reflects on the life of the African American contralto Marian Anderson’s role as a symbol of the civil rights movement, guided by mezzo soprano Denyce Graves.

In 1939 The Daughters of the American Revolution refused to let the world renowned contralto Marian Anderson perform at Constitution Hall, Washington's largest concert hall, because of the colour of her skin.  The staging of the concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial made history and was a watershed moment in the history of civil rights. Bassoonist Linton Stephens, a member of Europe's first majority-Black, Asian and ethnically diverse Chineke! Orchestra, goes in search of Anderson’s legacy.  Guided by mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves – a recipient of the Marian Anderson Award – he travels to Washington to visit the Lincoln Memorial. 
In Philadelphia, Linton meets with CEO of the Marian Anderson Museum, Jillian Patricia Pirtle to discover more about Marian Anderson's life and  reflects on her role as a symbol of the civil rights movement.

With contributions from historian, Dr Kira Thurmann, political advisor Allida Black and the New York Metropolitan Opera's Chief Diversity Officer, Marcia Sells

Produced by Calantha Bonnissent

Photo - Mezzo soprano Denyce Graves with presenter Linton Stephens on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Sunday Feature

Marian Anderson - Of Thee We Sing

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 3

About BBC Radio 3