Under light rain, world-famous opera star and Bradford native Marilyn Horne used large, gold-colored scissors to cut a ribbon, officially dedicating a museum and exhibit center that bears her name Saturday in downtown Bradford.
The museum, several years in the making, is now open along Marilyn Horne Way. But before the public tours could begin, officials said some words about Horne, who, for more than 40 years, was considered one of the world’s premiere mezzo sopranos. She made appearances on “The Odd Couple,” “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,” “Carol Burnett and Friends” and “Sesame Street.”
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford President Livingston Alexander said officials are forever grateful to Horne that Pitt-Bradford and the University of Pittsburgh received Horne’s collection.
“Now I know many are asking and will continue to ask, ‘Why Bradford?’” he said. “Why a museum devoted to opera and a world-renowned opera singer in Bradford? Quite frankly, Marilyn could have chosen any number of other esteemed organizations to care and conserve her collection and share it with others near and far. But why Bradford?”
Simply, Horne got her start in the music industry in Bradford, he said. Her parents were passionate about music, Alexander said, and Bradford is where Horne learned to sing.
For her part, Horne told the audience that they were in “for an incredible treat” at the museum and exhibit center. She said the museum is more than she had expected.
“We have to be very vigilant if you love classical music, to keep all this going,” she said, indicating that opera must continue to be performed.
As a young child, she said she remembers singing “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.”
“I know you can get the gift early,” she said.
Horne, born in 1934, relocated with her family to Long Beach, Calif., at 11 years old and debuted at 20 years old at the Los Angeles Opera Guild. She has traveled Europe, where she performed in many productions and received many high ratings.
And now, with the establishment of Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center, Pitt-Bradford and the region will feel an impact in many ways, Alexander said.
“Clearly the value of the Horne collection to our music curriculum and other academic programs will be immense. We anticipate that the music scholars and performing artists will come to regard the University of Pittsburgh and its Bradford campus as principal locations for research related to the opera and legendary artist Marilyn Horne,” he said.
What’s more, Alexander said officials anticipate the facility bringing a boost to tourism and the economy.
“Downtown Bradford is a gathering place of parades and events. It’s the place where everyday business is conducted as many of the buildings house retail establishments, professional offices and service providers,” he said. “It’s a place for social and religious gatherings where people come to worship, go to the movies and dine out.”
Now, he said, school children can learn about Horne at the museum and exhibit center.
State Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, also spoke at the ceremony, saying that the facility is an investment for the community.
“Look at what this project’s done to the entire building,” Causer said. “Look at what this project’s done and will do for downtown Bradford. We must continue making investments and improvements all for the betterment of our community.”
The ceremony also included Craig Hartburg, Pitt-Bradford advisory board chairman, who echoed some of the same sentiments, in that the facility will have a far-reaching impact, not just for Pitt-Bradford students, faculty and staff but also the city.
“Having the ability to showcase the life and remarkable career of Marilyn Horne in this museum behind us will lead many to visit our community, thus enhancing the current efforts to revitalize our fine town. Marilyn’s love for Bradford has long been a constant in her life,” he said.
Dr. Kathy Humphrey, senior vice chancellor at the University of Pittsburgh, also shared some words.
“Ms. Horne, I traveled from Pittsburgh to Bradford this morning because we who are a part of the senior administration wanted you to know how grateful we are that you saw fit to share your name and your collection with us. It’s important when someone allows you to use their name, isn’t that right?”
Bradford City Mayor Tom Riel read part of a proclamation at the ceremony, calling May 6, 2017, as Marilyn Horne Day in the City of Bradford.
Horne never forgot about Bradford. She has performed for the Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center and attended the opening of Blaisdell Hall at Pitt-Bradford. She served as the honorary chairwoman of the Blaisdell Fine Arts Challenge, which brought in $4.5 million toward the fine arts building.
In 2000, Horne received the Presidential Medal of Distinction, and in 2004, she became the first women to receive an honorary degree from the University of Pittsburgh at a regional campus. She gave the commencement address at Pitt-Bradford in 2011.
In 1994, she formed the Marilyn Horne Foundation, which sponsored recitals for young singers at several locations, including Carnegie Hall and Pitt-Bradford.
During the ceremony, Horne received applause when she sang a song with a reference to Bradford and McKean County.
A dedication performance by soprano Julie Davies and bass DeAndre Simmons, accompanied by pianist Martin Katz, also took place at Blaisdell Hall Saturday evening.
