The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts creates Marian Anderson artistic initiative

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts are set to launch the Marian Anderson Artistic Initiative, a celebration of the legendary contralto, civil rights icon, and Philadelphia native through artistic presentations.

The Marian Anderson Artistic Initiative will showcase various composers and artists who reflect the ideals and passions of Marian Anderson regarding increasing inclusivity and diversity in the performing arts.

Begining Sept. 26 with the Philadelphia Orchestra’s opening night concert, located in Marian Anderson Hall, the first work will be performed as part of the Initiative is the world premiere of Terence Blanchard’s Orchestral Suite from Fire Shut Up in My Bones.

“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 Marian Anderson Artistic Initiative will feature the during the 2024–25 season of The Philadelphia Orchestra:

• 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 (September 26, 2024).
• William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 2 (“Song of a New Race”) and Margaret Bonds’s The Montgomery Variations, (January 16–18, 2025).
• The world premiere of Gabriela Lena Frank’s Picaflor (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, performed by Lara Downes with Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra (May 23, 24, and 29, 2025).