Marian Anderson and Mischa Elman

Marian Anderson, contralto, in 1940

This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

Opening concert of the season of stadium concerts at Lewisohn Stadium, Dimitri Mitropoulos conducting the Stadium Symphony Orchestra. Mischa Elman guest violinist. Marian Anderson, soloist.

Throughout the program the announcer makes references to the planes being heard overhead.

Orchestra opens with the Wagner's "Tannhauser" Overture.

Marian Anderson is then welcomed to the stage by Mitropoulos, the announcer describes that she attempted to enter through the cello section, but that Mitropoulos insisted she enter from the front of the stage. She sings "Lamento Di Arianna" by Monteverdi.

The Stadium Symphony Orchestra next performs "Dances from Galanta" by Zoltan Kodaly.

Intermission: Interview with Mischa Elman. He describes a tour to Europe and Israel in the previous months. The interviewer asks particularly about his tour in Israel. Elman notes that the Israeli people are great consumers of music. "It is not the size of the country, but the desire of the people to hear good music." He explains that because many people in Israel came from countries where music was very important, they wish it to be a significant part of life in Israel.
Elman then goes on to speak about his tour in Scandinavia, an area he had not been in for many years. Elman describes the Scandinavian audience as very enthusiastic.
They discuss his upcoming performances, though his entire schedule is not yet known.

The announcer goes on to note the upcoming programs at Lewisohn Stadium, mentions that tonight's event was originally scheduled for the day before, but was rained out.

He then promotes WNYC, noting that it is a commercial free station. He calls is a station with nothing to sell, but not with nothing to offer. He mentions some programming highlights.

The announcer goes on to recount a conversation he had with Marian Anderson, mentioning that she will soon be heading for her first tour of Japan.

Minnie Guggenheimer addresses the crowd, describing upcoming events, noting a misprint in the program and introducing Dr. Harry N. Wright, president of City College, who thanks the audience and expresses the support of City College.

Guggenheimer introduces Mayor Vincent Impellitteri, who speaks highly of City College, Harry N. Wright and Minnie Guggenheimer.

The orchestra once again takes the stage to play the Suite from "Der Rosenkavalier" by Richard Strauss.

Marian Anderson sings three spirituals: The Gospel Train; Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child; Every Time I Feel the Spirit.



Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection


WNYC archives id: 2972
Municipal archives id: LT3892