Tonight marks the return of the National Black Touring Circuit Inc. to the Bermuda Festival stage for the first of two performances of ?Things of the Heart? ? a retelling of the life of African-American singer Marian Anderson.

The show explores the woman, the music, her times, and honours of the singer who is regarded as one of America?s great musical treasures.

Miss Anderson was born in Philadelphia in 1897 and never lost sight of what she wanted to do. Her career quietly and continuously broke barriers, but the obstacles along her journey from humble background to artist-ambassador makes her success in transcending the glass ceiling of race even more outstanding.

She discovered the joy of singing at an early age as a member of her local church gospel choir. In 1910 her education was interrupted by the death of her father, and she and her mother were forced to work at menial jobs.

However, she continued with her singing, supported financially and morally by the black community who recognised her talent. She also gained the notice of the great tenor Roland Hayes, who provided guidance in developing her career.

Facing overt racism when she applied for admission to a local music school, Miss Anderson found a teacher to give her free singing lessons. Later, with her church?s donations, she studied with tenor/coach Giuseppe Boghetti.

By 1914 she was performing in public concerts, and growing in knowledge and confidence, and went on to appear as a soloist in Handel oratorios in Boston and Philadelphia.

Unable to establish an active career in the US, Miss Anderson moved to London in 1925, where she continued her studies, and for the next decade performing extensively in Europe.

Renowned Finnish composer Sibelius dedicated a song to her. In 1935 she appeared in a Mozart Festival in Austria in a performance so arresting that famed conductor Arturo Toscanini told her: ?Yours is a voice one hears once in a hundred years.?

The singer returned to the US that same year, and went on to become the third highest concert box office draw. Her successes, however, did not exempt her from racial discrimination, and she was often refused accommodation at hotels, restaurants and concert halls, yet she retained her dignity.

An incident in 1939, where the Daughters of the American Revolution refused to allow her to sing in Constitution Hall, the largest and most appropriate indoor location in Washington, DC, led to a national outcry.

In answer to the protests, the US Department of the Interior scheduled a concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. With US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt?s active encouragement and support for the event, on Easter Sunday, 1939 Miss Anderson sang to a crowd of 75,000 plus millions of radio listeners.

In 1955, at age 57, she was invited to perform in a Verdi opera at New York?s Metropolitan Opera ? the first time an African American had sung on stage there.

The contralto subsequently had many honours and accolades bestowed on her by serving US presidents and universities, and she also served as a goodwill ambassador with the US State Department.

She retired in 1965 with a concert conducted by her nephew, James De Priest. She died in 1993 at age 96, and her memorial service at Carnegie Hall was attended by 2000 people.

?Marian Anderson? is being performed at City Hall Theatre tonight and tomorrow night, beginning at 8 p.m. Bermuda Festival National Black Touring Circuit Inc.: 'Marian Anderson ? Things of the Heart', City Hall theatre, 8 p.m. For further information: Festival box office, ferry terminal building, Front Street, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gen. inquiries during those hours: tel. 292-8572. Ticket sales: tel. 296-5774 or visit web site www.bermudafestival.com.