Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with KPBS Passport!
Discover the behind-the-scenes story of Jessye Norman and Kathleen Battle’s famed concert at Carnegie Hall on March 18, 1990 on GREAT PERFORMANCES “The Magic of Spirituals,” on PBS as part of Black History Month.
With legendary African American contralto Marian Anderson in attendance, many wondered if the two singers would compete or join forces and sing together. Showcasing extended excerpts of Norman and Battle in performance, the documentary examines the preparation required and the historic concert’s enduring impact.
New interviews and reminiscences are featured from the concert’s producer Peter Gelb (currently Met Opera General Manager), soprano Angel Blue, author and playwright Darryl Pinckney, arranger and composer Evelyn Simpson-Curenton, Harlem Gospel Singers’ founder Queen Esther Marrow, Fisk Jubilee Singers Musical Director Paul T. Kwami, and jazz and opera singer Jocelyn B. Smith.
Noteworthy Facts:
- Peter Gelb originally envisioned the idea for the concert to spotlight both singers and pay homage to their African American roots.
- Norman and Battle’s Spirituals concert at Carnegie Hall inspired opera singer Angel Blue to continue on her path to becoming a professional singer.
Watch On Your Schedule:
Stream this episode with KPBS Passport, a benefit for members at $60 or more yearly, using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Learn how to activate your benefit now.
Credits:
Directed by Dag Freyer and produced by Claus Wischmann, produced by Sounding Images in cooperation with C Major Entertainment in co-production with ZDF and ARTE. GREAT PERFORMANCES is produced by The WNET Group. For GREAT PERFORMANCES, Stephanie Dawson is producer, Bill O’Donnell is series producer and David Horn is executive producer.
