Philadelphia Orchestra Renames Verizon Hall Marian Anderson Hall

Verizon Hall, interior view. — Verizon Hall, Kimmel Centre (Photo: Meyer Sound)

This week, the Philadelphia Orchestra announced a name change for their concert hall. Following a 25 million dollar gift, Verizon Hall will be renamed Marian Anderson Hall, honouring the renowned contralto.

Digging deeper: Richard Worley, former chair of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s board, and his wife Leslie Miller made the legendary donation. The former financier and his wife expressed a wish to honour the trailblazing contralto who broke racial barriers and shared her formidable artistry despite civil rights adversity.

Why it matters: Worley and Miller’s donation is one of the largest in the Philadelphia Orchestra’s history. It comes in an era when the Philadelphia Orchestra, under Yannick Nézét-Séguin’s leadership, has made efforts to create a more racially diverse, representative art form. Kudos to Worley and Miller for honouring Anderson; a formidable Philadelphian who overcame so much to touch the hearts of many.

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Sara Schabas

Sara Schabas is a soprano and writer born and bred in the heart of Toronto’s musical community. When she’s not singing opera, you can find her covering Carole King on the ukulele, biking through the Annex and advocating the merits of Puccini.