PHILADELPHIA – Play On Philly (POP), a tuition-free music education program and nonprofit, announced today that it has obtained the rights to the famed Marian Anderson Award and will launch a revamped in-person ceremony this fall that will honor the legacy of the renowned vocalist and pave the way for young musicians across the region.

Created in 1998, the Marian Anderson Award honors Philadelphian and African-American contralto, Marian Anderson, by recognizing critically acclaimed artists who have positively impacted society either through their own humanitarian work or their philanthropic support for a humanitarian cause. The award, which was managed by an independent board and the Kimmel Center, also raised funds to support high-school-aged musicians in Philadelphia through a Young Artist Study Grant, which contributed $440,000 across 21 years to more than 200 motivated and talented students with significant financial challenges.

WHYY – Play On Philly acquires the Marian Anderson Award

South Philly Review – Play on Philly launches Marian Anderson Young Artist Program