Northwest Bank makes gift to Marilyn Horne Museum

Northwest Bank has made a $15,000 contribution to the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center in downtown Bradford.

Northwest's gift will support the interactive exhibit “Rinaldo,” which features audio excerpts and still photos from Horne's performance in the title role of the 1984 production. It was the first time the 18th-century opera by George Frideric Handel had been presented on the Metropolitan Opera stage.

Pitt-Bradford opened the museum dedicated to the world-famous opera star and Bradford native last month in its downtown building, Marilyn Horne Hall.

Horne herself was present for the museum's dedication and opening, where Julie Marasco, president of the Northwest Savings Bank's northwest region, had a second chance to meet her.

“I have met her a couple of times, and she's very down-to-earth and easy to talk to, and she's very, very honored to have this museum,” Marasco said.

“This is an investment in downtown Bradford, and there is potential revenue that the museum could generate for the community through visitors to the area. It's a world-class museum, and we encourage everyone to go take a tour.”

Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford, thanked Northwest.

“The generous contribution by Northwest Bank will enable us to maintain the integrity and first-class ambience of the Horne Museum,” he said. “We're deeply grateful to Northwest Savings Bank for this contribution and for its ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown Bradford as part of the Neighborhood Partnership Program.”

The 3,400 square-foot, state-of-the-art Marilyn Horne Museum features artifacts, lavish costumes, interactive touchscreen exhibits, and a theater space that recreates the look and feel of an 18th-century Italian opera house.

Born in Bradford in 1934, Horne has been called “the greatest singer in the world” by Opera News and has performed for presidents and princes around the world. The idea for the museum came about when she donated her personal and foundation archives to the University of Pittsburgh.

The museum, located on Marilyn Horne Way in downtown Bradford, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free.

Additional naming opportunities for the museum remain. To make a donation, contact Jill Ballard, executive director of institutional advancement at jballard@pitt.edu or 814-362-5091.

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