[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 82 (Thursday, May 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E871]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MS. BLANCHE BURTON-LYLES

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 29, 2014

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 
accomplishments of the great pianist Ms. Blanche Burton-Lyles, a native 
of South Philadelphia, whose dedication to music and service has left a 
lasting mark on Philadelphia.
  Ms. Burton-Lyles attended the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, 
on the recommendation of her mentor Marian Anderson. There she studied 
under Madam Isabella Vengerova, one of the founders of the Curtis 
Institute, and Leo Ornstein, Sr., world renowned composer and pianist. 
Ms. Burton-Lyles also received a music degree from Temple University. 
She worked as a music educator in the Philadelphia Public School System 
for many years. A recipient of many performance awards and humanitarian 
honors, Ms. Burton-Lyles is the first African-American woman to perform 
in Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and played a 
number of times in the personal home of Marian Anderson. In January of 
1998, she received Anderson's historical residences, which are now 
international attractions for visitors worldwide. Ms. Burton-Lyles is 
the Founder and President of the Marian Anderson Historical Society, 
Inc. and maintains the Marian Anderson residence and museum. Ms. 
Burton-Lyles will be honored by the Marian Anderson Historical Society 
on May 31, 2014.
  It is a privilege to recognize a person whose leadership and 
commitment have inspired and supported so many in our region. I ask you 
and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Ms. 
Blanche Burton-Lyles for her lifetime of service and dedication to 
Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.

                          ____________________