PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Two American cultural icons will bridge generations in June when Grammy Award-winning recording artist Queen Latifah hosts the Great Stages Gala Concert honoring pioneering Black opera singer Marian Anderson.
The concert, featuring the Philadelphia Orchestra, will mark the formal renaming of the Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall to Marian Anderson Hall, after the trailblazing contralto, born in Philadelphia nearly 130 years ago.
Others scheduled to perform include singer and actress Audra McDonald, soprano Angel Blue, and jazz pianist Marcus Roberts.
“These are modern day trail blazers,” said Jeremy Rothman, chief programming officer of Ensemble Arts. “Marian Anderson helped clear the way for great artists of this century that are now going to be appearing with the Philadelphia Orchestra in this hall for many years to come.”
The dedication was initially announced in February by Mayor Cherelle Parker, Philadelphia Orchestra officials, and relatives of the late contralto, who was the first Black singer to perform at New York’s Metropolitan Opera. “It's a direct connection to Marian Anderson’s legacy that symbolizes the resilience and dignity and — quite frankly — grit that represents what our Philadelphia community is all about,” Parker said.
Fans of Queen Latifah, like Rudo from Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse neighborhood, are thrilled that she was selected to honor Anderson, one of the world’s most respected Black artists.
“I love Queen Latifah. Who doesn’t?” she said. “It’s fantastic that we have this modern entertainer Queen Latifah honoring this icon of the past.”
Khiry from West Philadelphia said the concert is the perfect opportunity to introduce his family to the Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as the rapper and “The Equalizer” actress.
“I think people know about Marion Anderson, but I don’t think my daughter knows anything about Queen Latifah,” he said.