The NNOC quickly grew, eventually becoming a host (Photo by Charles ‘Teenie’ Harris/Carnegie Museum of Art/Getty Images) National Negro Opera Company cast of Aida, gathered on stage of Syria Mosque, view seen from above, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1941. This was only three weeks after contralto Marian Anderson became the first black female to sing a principal role at the Met. McFerrin is notable as not only the father of jazz vocalist Bobby McFerrin, but also as the first black male soloist to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in 1955.
Among other great artists, the NNOC was responsible for training McFerrin in his musical endeavors. The singers performed a production of Aida, with Robert McFerrin, Sr. The NNOC made their first official appearance at Pittsburgh’s Syria Mosque in October 1941.
“Woogie” Harris (brother of the famous photographer Charles “Teenie” Harris.) Before being purchased by Cardwell, the home was originally built as a private residence in 1908, later changing hands in 1930 when purchased by William A. In 1941 the singers participating in rehearsals at the house were organized into the National Negro Opera Company. This outstanding promotion and management of young African-American artists had led to Dawson serving as president of the National Organization of Negro Musicians.īetween 19, Dawson took ownership of the house on Apple Street, opening it as a space where rising black talent could practice and hone their skills. She was also responsible for establishing the nationally recognized Cardwell Dawson Choir, known for their performance at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City, New York. Walter was an electrician, and his company, the Dawson Electrical Company, operated on the ground floor, while Mary occupied the second floor with the Cardwell Dawson School of Music. The couple took ownership of a commercial property, and operated two businesses out of it. Mary Cardwell relocated to Pittsburgh in 1927, and married Walter Dawson. Training ground for black musicians and singers. To her desire to become an advocate for black musicians, standing up against Heavy backlash against her dreams to have a career as an opera singer. She continued her musical studies at the Chicago Musical College.ĭuring these times, discrimination was still quite common, and Dawson had faced She aimed to make it her life, and attended the New EnglandĬonservatory of Music in Boston, graduating in 1925. Dawson was born in 1894 in Madison, North Carolina, and grew
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