Celebration Planned For The Grand Reopening

Of Legendary Singer Marian Anderson’s Studio

DANBURY — On Sunday, June 13, the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation and Danbury Museum and Historical Society will host a gala celebration in honor of the restoration and reopening of the Marian Anderson rehearsal studio.

Marian Anderson, one of the greatest contraltos of the 20th Century, is not only remembered as the woman who broke the color barrier at the Metropolitan Opera House, but was a long time resident of Danbury who supported local arts and music programs. Originally from Philadelphia, Ms Anderson’s career opened the door of opportunity for many other African Americans.

Even though she had great beauty and was a talented singer, she never lost touch with her background and upbringing. She had a gift of making the English language sound beautiful and sophisticated when she sang. In 1939, Marian sang outside the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., because two places closed their doors and would not let her sing inside because of her race. She also sang at the Presidential inauguration of John F. Kennedy.

Ms Anderson and her husband, the architect Orpheus Fisher, purchased a 48-acre farm in Danbury in 1943 and called it Marianna Farm. They raised livestock and used the farm as their country retreat. Ms Fisher designed and built the studio for his wife to rehearse in undisturbed. It featured a curved ceiling, mini kitchen, bath and fireplace and was said to be a private retreat from her public life.

Ms Anderson retired from the stage in 1965 and resided at Marianna Farm until shortly before her death in 1993.

The studio, which is listed on Connecticut’s African American Freedom Trail, has just completed a full-scale restoration and will be open to public. The site will feature clothing, scripts and other artifacts of one of America’s most renowned classical and spiritual singers.

The grand re-opening of the studio caps a long and often precarious saga of a small building standing in the way of big development. In 1996 the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation was so concerned about the building’s future that it was designated one the state’s “Most Important Threatened Historic Places.” Following Ms Anderson’s death in 1993, a developer proposed a new subdivision on the property with the main road going through studio location. There were also plans to develop a 20-lot subdivision on the property. The studio was donated to the Danbury Museum, but it had to be relocated.

In 1999 the studio was moved to the historical society’s campus on Main Street. Reconstruction work commenced in fall 2002. Today the building stands as tangible link to one of America’s and Danbury’s most exceptional artists and inspiring women.

An open house will be held at the studio from 1:30 to 2:30 on June 13. Biographer Allan Keiler will be available to sign copies of his book, Marian Anderson: A Singer’s Journey.

The celebration will also offer screenings of rare films of Ms Anderson’s life and career, also from 1:30 to 2:30. These will be presented at St Peter’s Church, 104 Main Street in Danbury. A concert of operatic arias, songs and spirituals will then be performed at the church at 3 pm.

A gala reception is planned for 4 pm at the recently restored Union Savings Bank, 226 Main Street in Danbury. Attendees will receive a copy of Marian Anderson: A Singer’s Journey.

Tickets for the studio tour and concert are $50. Tickets for the studio tour, concert and reception are $150. For tickets or additional information contact Danbury Museum & Historical Society at 743-5200 or Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation at 203-562-6312.

Proceeds will benefit ongoing preservation and education programs of both Danbury Museum & Historical Society and Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation.