Marilyn Horne to be Honored at YWCA

The YWCA Bradford will honor opera legend Marilyn Horne at a reception at noon Oct. 7 at the agency home at 24 W. Corydon St.

Horne will be guest of honor at an open house and luncheon being held to recognize her role as the YWCA’s honorary membership chairman.

We are so pleased to have Ms. Horne visit our agency,” said executive director Amy Pierce. “There is probably not a more well- known woman from Bradford in the entire country and Ms. Horne’s life, in particular, reflects our values as an agency.”

When she was selected to head the membership campaign, Horne had praised the YW as an agency which embraced the ideals which have guided her life — “eliminating racism and empowering women.”

Among other programs, the YWCA Bradford offers the county’s only safe house for victims of domestic violence, provides comprehensive care for victims of sexual assault, and operates a homeless shelter for women and children.

Horne had been on the opera stage for many years until her retirement in 1999. For years, she was mezzo-soprano for the Metropolitan Opera Co. in New York City and has performed in all the world’s great opera houses. She has been called “one of the greatest operatic mezzo-sopranos in history.” In 1995, she received the Kennedy Center award for exemplary lifetime achievement in the performing arts. In 1994, she launched the Marilyn Horne Foundation to help preserve the art of vocal recitals and support young singers.

Horne is in Bradford for several days, and her visit will include continued discussion of placement of her personal archives to the University of Pittsburgh of Bradford. In past years, she served as honorary chairwoman for the Blaisdell Fine Arts Challenge, which raised $3.4 million toward the construction of Pitt-Bradford’s fine arts building, Blaisdell Hall.

The YW, marking its 95th anniversary in Bradford this year, has been engaged in a membership campaign not just to increase its number of supporters but to help reach the diverse female population in the Bradford area and throughout McKean County, from girls to senior citizens. The YWCA hopes to strengthen its current programming and, ultimately, become a central resource for women to join together in support, encouragement and fellowship.

The luncheon is open to YW members and supporters. Reservations are required and may be made by contacting the YWCA by Oct. 1.

e-mail from Marty Wilder