Marian Anderson first black singer hired by Metropolitan Opera Company 60 years ago today (Oct 7 1954)

1950s, African-American Civil Rights


Video: 'Marian Anderson canta Un ballo in Maschera'

(Thursday, October 7, 1954) — Marian Anderson today became the first black singer hired by the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York. Anderson made her Met debut in January 1955 playing the role of Ulrica in Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera.”