Anthony Tommasini | Voice of a Century
Anthony Tommasini presents *Voice of a Century*, a portrait of Marian Anderson’s extraordinary artistry, life, and legacy. The program examines the doubts Anderson faced on the eve of her historic 1939 Easter Sunday concert at the Lincoln Memorial, after she was barred from performing at Washington’s largest concert hall because of its whites-only policy. Although 75,000 people gathered to hear her, Anderson worried that the landmark performance would overshadow the rest of her career.
Tommasini places that moment within Anderson’s broader journey, from her breakthrough performances in Europe and acclaimed interpretations of Handel, German lieder, Scandinavian songs, and spirituals to the racism she encountered at hotels and restaurants in the United States. The event also considers the support she received from figures including Eleanor Roosevelt and Albert Einstein, her stature as one of the most respected singers of her era, and her historic 1955 achievement as the first African-American singer to break the Metropolitan Opera’s color barrier. Tommasini will appear in conversation with Anthony McGill.
When: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Showtime: 7:00 P.M.
Venue: Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, between 19th and 20th Streets on the Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
Tickets: $5.00
Lineup: Anthony Tommasini, in conversation with Anthony McGill
Anthony Tommasini: Tommasini served as The New York Times’ chief classical music critic from 2000 through 2021. A Yale graduate, he earned a doctor of musical arts degree from Boston University and has written four books, including *The Indispensable Composers*. He is also a pianist who recorded two albums of Virgil Thomson’s music with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Anthony McGill: McGill is a leading soloist and the New York Philharmonic’s principal clarinet. He was the organization’s first African-American principal player and received the Avery Fisher Prize. Through his work as a citizen musician, he advocates for connection, equality, and justice.
Ages: Adult
Accessibility: ADA-accessible seating is available. Contact authorevents@freelibrary.org in advance to request wheelchair seating or other accessibility accommodations.
Books: Books will be available for purchase at the library on the night of the event.
Registration note: Attendees are invited to make a donation while registering to support the Author Events series.
Ticket policy: Tickets are non-refundable.
Event series: Author Events - Ticketed Series
Contact: 215-567-4341
Note: The views expressed by the authors and moderator are their own and do not represent the Free Library of Philadelphia or its employees.