May 17, 2022 No. 7
A PIECE OF HISTORY COMES HOME
by Annette Januzzi Wick
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Art Carving has a long history in Cincinnati. According to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Englishman Henry L. Fry, joined by his son, William Henry Fry, started a furniture-carving business in Cincinnati in the mid-19th century. The duo became instrumental in “Cincinnati's status as a center for art-carved furniture as they began teaching their craft to Cincinnatians (many of whom were women).” |
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Nicolas Longworth’s daughter, Maria, and many of her friends took woodcarving lessons. And some of Fry’s students would become known for carving the panels that covered the Hook and Hastings organ once located in Music Hall’s Springer Auditorium. In the late 1870s, Laura Fry, granddaughter of William Fry, designed and carved a cherry wood piece, Mendelssohn and Lilies, as part of that larger effort. Thanks to the generosity of Carol, Sara, and Elizabeth Lichtenberg, the Mendelssohn and Lilies panel was recently donated to Friends of Music Hall, in memory of Thelma M. Lichtenberg.
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The organ was dismantled in 1971 and its panels were auctioned off or given away. While we’ve been the recipient of several pieces in recent years, Friends of Music Hall is still searching for more panels to add to our display in the Taft Suite. We hope to one day complete the set. |
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IT'S A FULL HOUSE
(Under the roof of Music Hall)
By Joanne Grueter
Did you know there was a time in Music Hall history when an entire house—basement to roof—was built inside the north wing? These structures were fully furnished, landscaped, and for sale! When did this happen? Why? What did they look like? Answers to all your questions can be found in our blog Home Sweet Home and the Home Beautiful Expositions, where you will discover photos demonstrating the process of how the houses were constructed, what was involved in these expositions, and why. Most of the model homes built inside Music Hall are located in neighborhoods around Greater Cincinnati - and you can still drive past them today!
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BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Renowned jazz vocalist and recording artist Kathy Wade has been a popular Cincinnati performer for over 40 years. A regional Emmy Award winner, she has sung in concerts across the United States, Europe, and Caribbean. She co-founded Learning Through Art, Inc., a nonprofit organization celebrating 30 years of building resilient communities through art. A graduate of Xavier University with a master’s in arts administration from UC’s CCM, she serves on Xavier’s Board of Trustees.
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FROM FASCINATION TO NOSTALGIA
City Councilpersons share their personal impressions of Music Hall
By Annette Januzzi Wick
Cincinnati councilpersons Reggie Harris and Meeka Owens recently joined a CSO-led tour of Music Hall and rehearsal of Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin to “learn more about the city’s incredible partnership with Music Hall, CSO, and the great resources in Cincinnati’s historic arts community.”
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Regarding his early interactions with Music Hall, Councilperson Harris responded, “Music Hall is a great cultural and professional hub for activity. I’ve attended dance performances, seen several shows, and been to galas and conferences in the confines of Music Hall.” Councilperson Owens had a more personal connection. “Music Hall has such a nostalgic presence; as a child I attended field trips to Music Hall to the Nutcracker. It leaves an impression. My praise dance group performed during the Classical Roots Celebration several years ago. It was an exhilarating experience to share the convergence of the African American faith community tradition, bringing it to the aisles of a historic city landmark.”
During the tour, Mr. Harris was “thrilled to experience small moments of history embedded in the entire space. I, as well as others, am taken aback by the beauty of the main stage, but to see the detail and history of the WHOLE building was fascinating. For all of the times I had walked those halls, I will never look at them the same after the tour!” Ms. Owens was also surprised by the history of women’s involvement in Music Hall, particularly how the Cincinnati Orchestra Association Company was created by an all-women Board of Directors. “I had never seen the gorgeous woodwork panels carved by women of the city and once adorned the Great Organ. Incorporating these panels into the modern decoration of Music Hall really brings home its amazing history.”
Both applauded the continuing efforts of resident companies and Friends of Music Hall to produce “content representative of the people of Cincinnati.” Councilperson Owens concluded, “Recent renovations to Music Hall have really brightened up the foyer and highlight the beautiful architecture of the space. It’s very inviting. I would love to see more ways for visitors to learn the history of this incredible space and the restoration efforts undertaken to keep this icon standing for the future.”
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BECOME A FRIEND
Your friendship and support means so much. As a member, your gift will contribute resources needed to preserve, engage and celebrate Cincinnati Music Hall as a National Historic Landmark of international significance and keep our region’s premier cultural center in top condition for future generations.
Learn more about our giving levels and the benefits that go with them.
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NO MORE MASKS!
After two years, COVID-19 pandemic requirements at Music Hall have been relaxed. Mask wearing by guests, staff and volunteers is now optional, and you no longer need to show your vaccination card or a negative test result. FMH’s informative indoor Music Hall tours have resumed.
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SAVE THE DATE
The Friends of Music Hall's Annual Meeting takes place on Monday, September 19, 2022 in Corbett Tower. We are pleased to announce that Amy Miller Dehan, the Decoative Arts and Design curator at the Cincinnati Art Musuem will give the keynote address. Invitations will be sent this summer.
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Thank You to Our Sponsors |
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