Blanche Burton- Lyles, The Founder of The Marian Anderson Historical Society
An Afternoon with Blanche Burton LylesThe Biography of A Musical Diva
In the world of classical music, seasoned and multifaceted concert pianist Blanche Burton-Lyles is one of the most talented women to grace world-renowned stages, ballrooms, and musical circuits.A South Philadelphia native, and member of Union Baptist Church , she continues to actively enjoy a career that has spanned well over 40 years . A graduate of the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, this illustrious performer became the first African-American woman pianist to receive the coveted Bachelor of Music degree. She studied under Madam Isabella Vengerova and Leo Ornstein, Sr. Recommended to the Curtis Institute by her mentor, Marian Anderson, Burton-Lyles states “Miss Anderson took an interest in my talents at an early age and was always very encouraging.” Ms. Lyles also received a music degree from Temple University . Burton-Lyles is a retired music educator of the Philadelphia Public School System. A recipient of many outstanding performance awards and humanitarian honors, she was the first African-American woman pianist to play at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.Burton-Lyles played many times for Miss Anderson’s guests in her home and she states, “It is an extraordinary accomplishment and blessing to have acquired Anderson ‘s historical residence as of January 1998. She later acquired the Marian Anderson birthplace. Both sites are an international attraction for visitors worldwide.Recent honors included the Shirley Chisholm Award; Mary McLeod Bethune Award; Awards from Delta Sigma Theta (Judge Sadie Alexander); Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Edyth Ingram Award as well as the Philadelphia 76er’s Community Service Award; and the Martin Luther King, Jr. 2007 Drum Major Honoree for her excellent musical expertise and community service on behalf of the Marian Anderson Historical Society. January 15, 2007 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. High School. In addition to her musical performances, Ms Burton-Lyles was the Founder of the Marian Anderson Historical Society, Inc. and maintained the Marian Anderson residence/museum and historical society until her passing on November 12th 2018. The National Historical Marian Anderson Residence
Museum and Society would like to share with you the Link to the recent Interview that Our Founder Lady Blanche Burton Lyles did with First Person Arts Media. Click the Link and hear her story of Performance and Preservation. http://firstpersonarts.org/stories/orchestrating-change/ |
The National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society would like to sincerely and lovingly Thank everyone who attended & participated in the memorial service of our beloved founder Lady Blanche Burton Lyles. We would like to humbly acknowledge The Curtis Institute of Music, The Slater Funeral Home Mr. & Mrs. Howard & Carol Lidz, Mrs. Jenice Armstrong, Dr. Jack Carr, The Pennsylvania House of Representatives, The City Council Of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Mr. Paul Steinke, Mr. & Mrs. David & Enid Adler Esquire, Mr. Daniel J Tann Esquire, Mr. Sherman Toppin Esquire, Mr. Ben Hemsley and the Orchestral Ensemble, Mr. Wayne St. David, The National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society Board of Directors, those who traveled near and those who came from across the United States to pay tribute to our dear Legend. Blanche Burton Lyles we love you more than words can express and be assured that your vision and legacy will live on just as you wanted for generations to come. During this difficult time, we ask that you please remember the work & legacy of Blanche Burton Lyles and support as much as possible with pledges, sponsorship, donations and volunteerism. Sorrowfully & Lovingly Submitted ~ Jillian Patricia Pirtle National Marian Anderson Museum CEOIt is was deep and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Founder, CEO & Leader of the National Marian Anderson Museum the Legendary Lady Blanche Burton Lyles. Our lives will never be the same and the historic legacy that she has left will be felt for generations to come. Lady Blanche Burton Lyles life will be honored and memorialized on December 15th 2018 at the historic Curtis Institute of Music. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the National Marian Anderson Museum @ 762 South Martin Street Philadelphia Pa 19146 Call 215-779-4219 www.marianandersonhistoricalsociety.weebly.com
|
