Soprano returns to Columbia for Marian Anderson tribute

"In this tribute to Marian Anderson, I feel a calling to communicate more than to perform."

- Sabrina Coleman Clark

By Rachel Haynie

Soprano Sabrina Coleman Clark has hit a lot of high notes since leaving Columbia and graduate school.

She returns soon in tribute to Marian Anderson, Sunday, Feb. 18 at 3 pm at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church.

In demand as a soloist in opera, oratorio, and as a recitalist throughout the country, the Ohio native has performed in world-renowned venues. Among them are the Peterborough Cathedral in England, the American Cathedral, and the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Yet she says, "Coming back to Columbia will always be somewhere special for me. I met my husband here; we were in the same voice studio, studying with Gene Ferguson."

The talented soprano was first in Columbia working in fall 1981 as a music therapy intern at Hall Institute. Later, she worked on a doctoral of musical arts and performed in the Lyric Opera Company under the direction of Donald Gray.

"If my return to Columbia had been scheduled just seven weeks earlier, it would have coincided with my 15th wedding anniversary. We got married in the chapel on the grounds of the mental hospital. We are both from Ohio; we had to come to Columbia to meet."

Her return will perpetuate Anderson's Legacy of Hope. "Through a contact in the Baltimore Opera Company, I was approached about doing this; actually my husband was approached, and he said he thought I would love to do it."

Clark said that once she started telling the story and doing research on Anderson, "The project took on a life of its own. Every time I have an opportunity to do this program, it feels fresh to me. For the very first time, I feel a calling to communicate her legacy more than to perform. That is the real driving force for me. "

Anderson, nicknamed The Baby Contralto when she was only six or seven years old, eventually performed all over the world, often breaking racial barriers. In overcoming such obstacles, she proved that with talent, perseverance, and hope, dreams can come true.

"Learning more about this talented woman led me to perform this show in a way I might not have otherwise. Although the program is fairly scripted, I saw an opportunity to approach it a little bit differently."

Clark tells the tales and sings the music of Anderson before a backdrop of projected historical images. She credits pianist Daniel Lau, who accompanies her in this program, with helping develop the program more fully.

She hopes to renew acquaintances during her brief time in Columbia. Her next performance will be in Virginia at Opera on the James where she will also give a master class.