MU AS PIuCblic aHtionA Of LThLe S oMcietya rks For The Preservation Of Music Hall 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

2011 Spring Issue 1 MUSIC HALL Marks MUSIC HALL Marks 2

SPMH BOARD of Directors 2011 SpringS isP heMre!!!H Ev e-ry sPearsoen sidaeren “stw’sin gMing ientsos saprgineg” as well. President Joel Ebersole Victoria Morgan of the year is wonderful and beauti - Our new colorful posters are turn - Donald Siekmann Marge Hammelrath - Cincinnati Ballet ful, yet we most eagerly await the ing heads throughout Music Hall, Barbara Harshman Laure Quinlivan coming of spring. It’s a time of and, we recently helped fund a Immediate Past President William Henrich - City of Cincinnati awakening with a foretaste of what Music Hall Gift Shop improvement. Norma Petersen Mary Ellyn Hutton Steven Sunderman is to come -- many more sunlight Also, on May 5th, we will present Peter Koenig - Cincinnati May hours, warmer weather, “On Broadway with the Vice Presidents Walter E. Langsam Festival vacations, convertibles, Mighty Wurlitzer” in the Joanne Grueter Ramon Rodriguez picnics, wow! -- hard to Ballroom. This follows Kathy Janson Eugene Saenger, Jr. stop the list…! Here at our sold-out December Honorary Director Mace Justice Alan Sakalas Music Hall, wonderful debut of the series. Claire Phillips Ed Rider Rosemary Schlachter things also happen in Please plan to attend; I John Senhauser Life Members every season of the promise you will enjoy Recording Secretary Kathryn W. Shahani Louise Dieterle Nippert year, and, this “eagerly the evening! Karen McKim Sue Sommer Joyce Van Wye, awaited” spring brings Lastly, for your Norman Thomas Co-Founder even more “can’t-miss” “save the date” list, we Corresponding Secretary Sallie Wadsworth events and previews of are planning our SPMH Marcella Hsiung Don Siekmann Nancy Wagner what is to come. Annual Member Meet - Past Presidents Treasurer Ronald Wehmeier First, there are just a few more ing for September 26th in the Marlene Johnson Mark Weadick Stacey Woolley opportunities to see Paavo Jarvi in Music Hall Ballroom. Once again Joyce Van Wye his final concerts as Music Director we will feature an executive update Directors Ex Officio Directors of the CSO. Among them are a of the Music Hall Revitalization Music Hall Liaison Lisa Allison Patty Beggs long awaited appearance by Yo-Yo Project. If you are not already an Scott Santangelo Barbara Boyd - Cincinnati Opera Ma on May 3rd and, concluding the SPMH member, please become Maureen Dillon Trey Devey season on May 14th, Paavo’s one; simply use the enclosed Meredith Downton - Cincinnati Symphony Farewell Finale with Mahler’s epic membership envelope and then Orchestra Symphony No.5 . Then, the May join us in September. Festival “Sings-Out” with two out - On a truly sad note we have standing weekends, starting with all lost our friend, and fellow board Table of Contents Verdi’s Requiem , on May 20th, and member, Bob Howes, to a terrible page 1 What’s Happening Now at ending with Mendelssohn’s Elijah cancer. Bob was a dedicated, tal - SPMH President’s Message ...... Music Hall ...... page 13 on May 28th. Finally, the Cincinnati ented and passionate friend to so SPMH 2011 Board ...... page 2 page 14 Opera’s season is just over the many. A tribute is included in this Bob Howes ...... page 3 I Remember When...... horizon with a mixture of classic Newsletter as well as on the SPMH SPMH Mission Statement ...... page 4 A Music Hall Memory ...... page 21 and modern blockbusters. The ex - website. Take a Tour, Become a Guide...... page 5 Music Hall Has it All . . . . . page 23 citement begins on June 16th with Thanks again to all our SPMH High Notes! ...... page 6 May 5th “On Broadway”. . . page 24 an all time favorite…….Giuseppe members and supporters. We wish Washington Park ...... page 7 SPMH Donors ...... page 26 Verdi’s Rigoletto . Great things are you a joyful spring, and, I look for - Revitalization Circa 1939 ...... page 9 Joanne Honschopp Bio . . . . page 30 happening in Music Hall this ward to seeing you in Music Hall! Acknowledgements...... page 30 spring! - Don Siekmann “Happy Holidays with the page 10 Certainly, we here at SPMH Mighty Wurlitzer”...... 3 MUSIC HALL Marks MUSIC HALL Marks 4 tioning of the Orchestra on the actly right, that our Mission as it re - Bob Howes 1951-2011 stage. “The goal is to get the entire lates to the Preservation of our As a Vice President of The So - and construction companies. orchestra into the Music Hall be clearly ciety for the Preservation of Music In all his studies of early Music house with the audi - understood by every - Hall, Bob’s dedication to the organ - Hall documents he sought to un - ence, allowing the au - one. ization was exemplary and his con - derstand Hannaford’s original in - dience to be more of a Bob was passion - tributions extensive. tent for the structure part of the performance ate about music, about He was Founder and as well as to gain an so that concerts will be Music Hall and about Chair of the SPMH understanding of all more a shared and inti - SPMH. He put his best Archives Committee successive major mate experience.” effort into every under - which he later re - work on the building. In all of his efforts taking and he is and named the Historical This wealth of knowl - for Music Hall and for will be missed by his Committee. In 2003 edge is of importance SPMH, Bob’s intense friends and colleagues. he spearheaded the in the current Revital - desire for knowledge, A Memorial Service cel - Music Hall Archives ization plan of Music understanding and Bob Howes ebrating his life was Exhibit, an ongoing Bob Howes portraying Reuben Springer Hall. As a CSO musi - clarity is so evident. held in Music Hall on display of Music Hall cian (the longest- This was never more apparent to February 27th. For a more in-depth historical items, inside the Hall in serving member of the viola me than when he phoned one look at Bob’s life see Joanne partnership with the Cincinnati His - section), and member of the Work - evening to discuss his work on the Grueter‘s tribute at torical Society. In his capacity as ing Group, he provided invaluable new wording of the SPMH Mission www.spmhcincinnati.org Chair, he researched and then dis - insights to theatre and other con - Statement. He was most con - - Kathy Janson cussed with Cincinnati City Council sultants. cerned that we get the wording ex - members official documents relat - Bob was a member of the ing to the owner - SPMH advisory committee of SPMH MISSION STATEMENT ship and Music Hall experts which assisted The mission of The Society for the Preservation of Music Hall manage - WCET in producing the 2005 docu - is to preserve, promote, improve, and provide education about Music Hall, ment of mentary Music Hall: Cincinnati funding special projects in addition to Music Hall management’s operational Music Hall Finds its Voice . In a section of the and maintenance obligations, and facilitating communications among in order to historical dramatization, he used Music Hall management, owner, and tenants, in order to perpetuate Music come to a his acting talents in portraying Hall as the premier cultural center of the Region, and as a common un - Reuben Springer. National Historic Landmark of international significance. derstanding He believed that all concert of the complex halls have a personality and that territory that is Music Hall’s personality is one of Music Hall. inclusion. “It was built for the citi - Give the gift of History Emphasizing the zens of Cincinnati and this is what close involve - makes Music Hall what it is spiritu - Purchase Music Hall: ment of the City in ally, it has that very friendly, open, former renovations, he welcoming quality” he said. Conse - “Cincinnati Finds its Voice” shared with Council quently his research concerning members informa - the two prosceniums of Music Hall DVD or VHS tion about contracts emphasized the spirit of inclusion Bob Howes with architects and his work resulted in the reposi - call (513) 744-3293 5 MUSIC HALL Marks MUSIC HALL Marks 6 visit Music Hall at night. They set town visitors, regularly tour Music Take a Tour, Become a Guide up cameras and audio equipment Hall. Lunches can be arranged in The Society for the Preserva - prised to learn that Music Hall con - in one or more locations, in order conjunction with tours. To schedule tion of Music Hall has been spon - sists of three separate buildings: to monitor Music Hall’s spirits! a tour for a group of ten or more on soring tours for many years. The the central Springer Auditorium, the Groups from schools, groups non-concert days, call 744-3344. founders of the Society and the North Hall and the South Hall. from social clubs and retirement To schedule a pre-concert tour call concert goers, who had experi - Guides enjoy describing how each living, as well as groups of out of 744-3331. - Mace Justice enced the beauty of the Hall, were of the buildings evolved from 1878 motivated to pass to the present. The on this love of North Hall first ex - Congratulations to JoanHne igh NA ofutlle psa! ge photo of the Mighty Music Hall and its hibited Cincinnati Grueter for her fine work in getting Wurlitzer installed in the Ballroom history to others. machinery, then it the new website up and running! graces the Journal’s cover. Ron’s The first guides became a sports This fabulous tool increases the excellent article details the history read books and ar - arena, and today it visibility of of the ticles and inter - houses the Opera SPMH and Mighty viewed Music Hall offices and the offers a Wurlitzer personnel to pre - paint and carpentry higher level from 1927 pare a ‘fact sheet’ shops. The South of communi - to the pres - about the back - Hall was originally cation. To ent day and ground and opera - used for horticul - learn more presents a tions of the Hall. tural exhibits, later about Music complete Marie Gallagher for antique shows Hall, past, organ devoted years to and automobile present and chamber the training of tour Mace Justice shows, and it now future, ac - analysis. It guides and the co - houses the offices cess the Joanne Grueter Ron Wehmeier is replete ordination of all tours. The roster of of the Cincinnati Symphony and the beautifully presented information at with photos taken by Philip guides has constantly changed, Music Hall Ballroom. The central www.spmhcincinnati.org . Groshong, Joanne Grueter and adding new energy to the team. auditorium has had several dra - Long overdue congratulations Scott Santangelo. An 8-minute When someone desires to be a matic renovations from its early to Ron Wehmeier! His 8-page arti - recorded interview with Ron, the guide, he “shadows” the more sea - days to the present. At one time cle “Rebirth in Cincinnati from the Journal cover and information soned guides as they conduct ac - thirteen gas lights hung from the Albee to Music Hall”, was featured about the Mighty Wurlitzer, can be tual tours. By taking notes during ceiling and today magnificent crys - in the July/August 2010 issue of seen at the link: these tours and by studying avail - tal chandeliers light the way. Theatre Organ, Journal of the www.atos.org/tojournal/Archives/ able materials, including the Music Music Hall was built on the site American Theatre Organ Society . 07 -2010/albee.html . Hall website of a potters’ field. Consequently www.spmhcincinnati.org, new stories of ghosts have developed guides quickly gain confidence and over time and children often ask begin conducting tours on their “What about the ghosts?” So the “This is our purpose: to make as meaningful as possible this own. Those interested in becoming guides always relate one or two of life that has been bestowed upon us; to live in such a way guides may call SPMH at 744- Music Hall’s more colorful tales. A that we may be proud of ourselves; to act in such a way 3293. number of groups interested in the Sometimes visitors are sur - paranormal frequently arrange to that some part of us lives on”. – Oswald Spengler M

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7 MUSIC HALL Marks s MUSIC HALL Marks 8 Washington Park WASHINGTON PARK RENOVATION PLANS

NE Portal

NW Portal

Stage

Civic Green

Music Hall Plaza t SW Portal

Concessions

Race St Garage

Elm St Garage Interactive Water Feature Restrooms Projected Renovation Rendering from Elm Street view The expansion and renovation Concessions, an Interactive Water Playground project of Washington Park, consid - Feature, a Dog Park, a Bandstand, ered the Entrance to Music Hall, is a Play Area with Interactive Water Bandstand well under way, with anticipated Runnel, Restrooms and various completion in Spring 2012. The entrances to a 450-Space Under - Dog Park project is a partnership between the ground Garage. At a cost of Signature Planting Cincinnati Park Board and The $47,368,503, Washington Park will Cincinnati Center City Development be a destination in itself, providing Game Tables Corp. (3CDC). entertainments and relaxation, a fit - Turner/Megen, an association ting complement to Music Hall. For between Turner Construction Com - weekly detailed updates, construc - pany and Megen Construction tion photographs and fascinating il - Company, is the general contractor. lustrations of the new park go to The Washington Park area will be 3CDC’s site at: expanded by 2 acres (from 6 to 8) www.3cdc.org/follow-ourprojects allowing for a large Civic Green /washingtonpark. with a Stage, a Music Hall Plaza, - Kathy Janson

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Revitalization Circa 1939 “Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer”

HELP FIX UP MUSIC HALL! Every Cincinnatian feels real pride in Music Hall, which is not only the center of the fondest traditions of the Queen City of the West but is also one of the finest auditoriums of the world. It is a civic asset in the true sense of the word, belonging to the people of Cincinnati, and administered by a Board of Trustees comprised of prominent citizens. Recently, the Music Hall Repair Committee, headed by General P. Lincoln Mitchell, chairman, and Miss Beatrice Shillito, vice-chairman, started the work of redecorating Music Hall in time for the coming May Festival. A sum of $20,000.00 is necessary to defray the cost of this work and the Committee sends out an appeal to every interested Cincinnatian to contribute to this fund. Any amount from $1.00 up will be appreci - ated. The attached donation blank will aid you in sending in your sub - scription.

THE MUSIC HALL REPAIR COMMITTEE TEAR OFF

………………………………………………………………………………… photo credit: Phil Groshong SPMH President Don Siekmann “caught up” in the festive moment! MUSIC HALL REPAIR COMMITTEE Concert-goers were truly “Walk - before, the Ballroom was filled to its ing in a Winter Wonderland” when capacity for the evening perform - they braved the first snowstorm of ance. “We were thrilled with the turn Gen. P. Lincoln Mitchell, Chairman Miss Beatrice Shillito, Vice-Chairman the season to attend the debut con - out, in spite of the weather,” noted cert of SPMH’s As a Cincinnatian, anxious to contribute to the project to repair Mighty Wurlitzer and redecorate Music Hall, I herewith send my donation of series. The $...... for this work. event took place on December Name……………………………………………………………….. 16th in the Music Hall Ball - Address……………………………………………………………. room, which was aglow with holi - Checks should be made payable to the MUSIC HALL REPAIR day décor and FUND and mailed to Fifth-Third Union Trust Co., Fourth and poinsettias. De - Walnut Streets, in care of Mr. J. J. Rowe, President. spite the snow - storm that hit hard the night Organ virtuoso, Jelani Eddington 11 MUSIC HALL Marks MUSIC HALL Marks 12 Don Siekmann, President of the So - cluding “Ave Maria”, “Parade of the where it dutifully performed as an ciety for the Preservation of Music Wooden Soldiers”, “What Child is accompaniment to silent films. In Hall, which presented the concert. This” (“Green Sleeves”), and a 1969, it was donated to the Emery “We honored tickets from the [more beautiful medley of traditional Eng - Theater where it entertained all weather-beleaguered] morning con - lish carols. The performance of the before and after showings of vin - cert, so as many patrons as possible SCPA choir helped to further ani - tage movies, until 1999 at which could enjoy this unique holiday ex - mate the evening event. Accompa - time it was moved to storage. Its perience.” nied by piano, and led by Laurie complete restoration and installa - The concert featured theater Wyant, the 4th, 5th and 6th graders tion, funded by a $1.4 million gift organ virtuoso, Jelani Eddington, delighted the crowd with spirited from an anonymous donor, were with a special guest appearance by classics. A spry accent to the choir’s accomplished by SPMH Board Norma Petersen with sons David and the School for the Creative and Per - music was added by their humorous member, Ron Wehmeier. The Christopher watch attentively. forming Arts Children’s Choir. Mr. holiday headgear, which included Wurlitzer dedication concert was 10:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the Eddington opened with “Sleigh reindeer antlers, Santa hats, elfin held in November 2009, in Music Music Hall Ballroom. Las Vegas the - Ride”, a festive, frolicsome piece, eyeglasses, and more. Speaking of atre-organist, Walt which showcased the Mighty Wurl - Santa, the evening culminated when Strony, and vocalists, itzer in all its glory. Perfectly replicat - the jolly old saint, himself, bounded Mark Hardy and Lisa Er - ing the sounds of sleigh bells, and up onto the stage to join Mr. Edding - icksen, both veterans of trotting hooves, the Wurlitzer’s pow - ton and the SCPA choir for a rous - Broadway, are the fea - ers of the percussions entranced the ing, carol sing-a-long, which the tured artists. They will be audience -- young and old -- while audience was only too happy to join. joined by two rising stars evoking the wintry landscape out - But the real star was the Mighty from Northern Kentucky side Music Hall. Wurlitzer, itself. Built in 1927, the University’s musical the - The program presented a selec - Mighty Wurlitzer was the center - ater program and, to - tion of holiday orchestral music, in - piece of the old Albee Theater, gether, will perform tunes

“... Ohhhh what fun it is to... “ from Broadway’s golden age. Tickets are on sale: Hall’s Ballroom, fulfilling the donor’s 513-621-2787 wish that this organ be kept in www.CincinnatiArts.ORG . Cincinnati as a tribute to the city’s - Lisa Allison rich musical her - itage. SPMH will continue its Mighty Wurlitzer concert series this spring with “On Broad - way with the Mighty Wurlitzer”. The concert per - formances will be photo credit: Phil Groshong held on May 5th at SCPA Children’s Choir Mike & Kathy Janson, Libby & Raleigh Sharrock, Linda, Julie & Claire Siekmann 13 MUSIC HALL Marks MUSIC HALL Marks 14

“Several yearsI a gRo, Ie wmase a mberon eW occhaseionn, … a performance at guest at a dinner Music Hall was nearly can - party honoring the celled because of the super - legendary ballet star stitious Russian dancers who Sir Frederic Franklin had noticed a bat flying (director of the about in Music Hall’s Cincinnati Ballet from Springer Auditorium. An 1984 to 1986 and omen of bad luck not to be currently Artistic Di - ignored, the dancers refused rector Emeritus). to perform. Franklin, who Still active and witty was easily frightened, and at age 96, Sir Fred - who was after all a leader of die, then a mere 88 the troupe, pre - years of age, regaled Sir Frederic Franklin vailed upon his everyone in atten - colleagues to “....and to All a good night!” dance with stories that, in the forge ahead de - tradition of Las Vegas, must re - spite the winged It’s What’s Happening In The Hall Now! main in the memories of those mammal’s inauspi - who were there and swore the cious flight plan. oath of Omerta. There was one Franklin carried story, however, that may be the day and the told, and it speaks to the rich show went on as tradition of Music Hall and of Stacey Woolley scheduled. ‘I dance in Cincinnati. shall never for - During the early days of the Bal - get that Sunday in Cincinnati’, said let Russe performing in Cincinnati, Franklin. ‘It was , 1941.’” Need another reason to attend principal determining factor. May Franklin appeared frequently. On – Stacey Woolley the May Festival and the last con - Festival’s winning program, not to certs of the CSO 2010-2011 Sea - be revealed until the concert date, “My favorite memory of Music Hall is son? Here is an impressive one! was selected for its innovation and when Mario Lanza sang there in 1951. The May Festival and the Cincin - rarity of the piece to be performed. Most people don’t recognize his name. To nati Symphony Orchestra have re - One of only six groups chosen, this me he was and always will be the greatest cently been invited to perform at will be May Festival’s fifth time per - singer who ever lived. When I visited the Carnegie Hall in a new festival forming in the revered hall, its last Mario Lanza Institute and Museum in called Spring for Music scheduled performance there having taken Philadelphia, I talked to the person work - for May 10, 2013. Competition for place in 2001. Take the opportuni - ing and told her that I had seen him in the honor, won by the May Festival ties that May presents to be among Cincinnati. She said I was the only person Organization, comprised of the those enjoying our world renowned that she knew who had seen him in per - combined chorus and CSO, was May Festival Chorus and Cincinnati son.” stiff. The concert program submit - Symphony Orchestra in Music Hall! – Betty Powers ted by each organization was the Mario Lanza, tenor 15 MUSIC HALL Marks MUSIC HALL Marks 16 I Remember When… cont. “When I first “I saw a lot of concerts at Music Hall. and as I leaned over and came to work at Music One that I will always remember is the Sa - looked at the base, it Hall as Director of cred Mushroom/Big Brother and The Hold - seemed that something Operations, I under - ing Company with Janis Joplin on October was inside. Reaching in I took to identify the 14, 1968. In the middle of the show Janis found a folded piece of various pieces of art had a portable TV pointed toward the audi - paper with a handwritten and sculpture located ence. We all giggled as we watched a video recollection of a gentle - throughout the build - of singing “All You Need is man’s story of meeting ing. The bust of Max Love” on The Smothers Brothers Comedy his wife at Music Hall, Rudolf, lo - Hour show.” – Dean Reynolds which had apparently cated in been tucked away there the well, “If you want to go from the sublime to the ridiculous, among the many decades earlier. I have appears to memorable moments I’ve had in that hall … was come to understand that be un - ’s ‘Down on the Farm’ concert. I think people form lasting signed, so it’s an amazing versatile space, Music Hall, and it’s bonds with Music Hall, I was ex - housed so many different things of both high art Max Rudolf Bust and this was another ex - amining it and low art. It would be very hard to imagine any - ample of how someone closely, one allowing pigs onstage in Symphony Hall in had created his own time capsule, looking for Boston. I think when pigs fly. So it’s fun to see waiting to be found many years an artist’s that a hall can be used for such purposes and still Scott Santangelo later.” signature contain great music and wonderful concerts.” – Scott Santangelo or maker’s mark. The bust is hollow, –Keith Lockhart, Boston Pops Conductor

“As a child our school offered where the Wulsin family had the Rudolph was the conductor then. I lawyer on Wall Street and enjoying the opportunity to attend the chil - other 5 seats! The din of the crowd left town again and came back after the Metropolitan Opera, etc. This dren’s concerts. I remember at a at intermission was exciting. Max 23 years in New York working as a was the first time I subscribed to very young age, sitting in the bal - May Festival. What a treat to have cony listening to the CSO play such beautiful symphonic, choral Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and solo music performed in the with an artist drawing pictures on gorgeous Springer Auditorium. an easel, of multiplying brooms Music Hall has always been a part carrying buckets of water all ac - of my life and I treasure it. Be - companied some sort of narration. cause of that, I am very excited I was spellbound by the whole ex - that we will bring the current im - perience! Then after living in possibly spent and out of date in - Rhode Island for a year after frastructure up to the standards graduate school, I came back to of our beautiful hall. Music Hall in Cincinnati and started subscribing and of itself will be a destination. to the Symphony. It was such fun Won’t you join me?” to sit in seat number 6 of the box – Melody Sawyer Richardson Concept of a Music Hall renovation indicates it could become a destination of itself! 17 MUSIC HALL Marks MUSIC HALL Marks 18 “It was at the 100th anniver - begin the American Classical Hall of “When the American Sym - to position herself under the piano, sary of the Cincinnati Symphony Fame. Everyone I interviewed said, phony Orchestra League held its an - performed her technical magic, got Orchestra in ‘If there is not a nual meeting in Cincinnati in June up with great finesse, and in an in - April 1995 that hall of fame for 1996, one of the activities involved stant was gone from the stage. on the stage were classical music, was a per - There was applause! The four international there should be’. formance by performance resumed and conductors, Now 16 years pianist was spectacular! Both my Jesus-Lopez- later, the Ameri - Michael wife Kathy and I, as well Cobos, Michael can Classical Hall Chertock in as others in the crowd, en - Gielen, Erich Kun - of Fame has be - Music Hall. joyed this extra bit of ‘en - zel and Keith come a major The audi - tertainment’ by friend and Lockhart, and force in classical ence became fellow volunteer, Sally.” three interna - music nationally quiet, – Mike Janson tional perform - and internation - Michael sat ers, Itzhak ally. Without the down, and as Perlman, Mstislav Cincinnati Music he began to Michael Chertock Rostropovich and Hall experience, play Rhap - Richard Stoltz - none of this sody in , it was apparent to all man. It was at would have hap - that something was terribly wrong this time that pened. I often with the piano. Michael stopped Cleveland was photo credit: Mark Lyons say to people, playing and in a split second, Sally opening up the David Klingshirn presents James Conlon with medal ‘Cincinnati is Krefting Phillips, of Krefting Pianos, from the American Classical Music Hall of Fame Rock and Roll Hall major league flew down the aisle onto the stage of Fame with a lot of publicity and baseball and football, but more im - in her evening attire. Like a baseball fanfare. I thought to myself, is portantly, Cincinnati is major league player sliding into a base, Sally exe - there a Hall of Fame for classical music.’” cuted a perfect slide in long dress, music? This began my quest to –David A. Klingshirn Kathy and Mike Janson

“I was doing Beethoven’s Fifth, periences – not to mention my an - “Like many Cincinnati high school and a musician who is nouncement and open - seniors graduating in 1960, I will always helping people in the ing concert. But remember the grandeur of Commence - Drop-Inn Center helping a human being ment at Music Hall. The ambiance made asked me, would it be by playing Beethoven’s us all feel we had attained the summit. OK to bring a group Symphony No. 5 was Now, many years later, when I return to of people to Music the most touching, and perform concerti with the great Cincin - Hall for the dress probably the most nati Symphony, the memories of that glo - rehearsal? They told moving, experience rious moment of having arrived at the me about how much that I’ve had.” pinnacle of purpose rush through me the music invigorated – Paavo Jarvi, again.” them and gave them CSO Music Director – Richard Stoltzman, hope. I’ve had so Grammy-winning Clarinetist many memorable ex - Richard Stoltzman Paavo Jarvi, CSO Music Director 19 MUSIC HALL Marks MUSIC HALL Marks 20 “Two Music Hall events stick “I have many wonderful memo - anniversaries. But the moment I will out in my mind. The first was the ries of moments in that glorious never forget was opening night, Au - reopening of the Hall after the building called Music Hall. As a little gust 2, 1978 when I walked on renovation of the early seventies girl, my parents took me Music Hall stage as the when the Opera presented to view boxing matches Grand Duchess of Anasta - Mefistofele with Norman Trea - and roller derbies. My sia in Sigmund Romberg’s gle and the other was an event I grade school went for a opera Student Prince . My chaired when I was on the Opera concert. I think I was opening line was ‘What Dudley Taft Board. We brought in Dame Joan more interested in the does this mean-how dare Sutherland from Australia.” candy than what was on you keep me waiting,’ but – Dudley Taft Norman Treagle stage. We were sitting in for one second I went the balcony so the crackle blank. That awful and hor - of candy wrappers did not rendous moment seemed “I enjoy seeing these two pho - few minutes before the downbeat, disturb the Orchestra. like hours and those so- tos side-by-side. Lenny Bernstein, I’m pretty certain that Maestro Then there was high called butterflies flew out whose music will live forever, is Schippers Sylvia Benjamin school and a prom in the of my stomach in droves. sitting at the Music Director’s caused Music Hall Ballroom. The line did come out of my mouth desk backstage when he came quite a bit I served as president of the and the opera was a success. The to Music Hall in 1973 to cele - of my black Women’s Committee of the Cincin - Hall represents so much of Cincin - brate the hair to turn nati Symphony Orchestra, and in nati’s history and its culture and we 100th An - gray. The that capacity I had the privilege of can be so proud she has stood for niversary of tall, hand - presenting watches to Orchestra 133 years. – Sylvia Benjamin the May some man members who celebrated their 25th Festival. He would come conducted flying into “Many years ago, I heard Sir pause he answered, ‘The world’s the his office, Rudolph Bing, the general manager finest orchestra? Maybe I could Beethoven long scarf of the New York narrow it down to ‘Missa and coat Metropolitan Opera three. The world’s Solemnis’. flowing, from 1950 to 1972, finest conductor? It’s Quite with just lecture at Chatauqua impossible to choose rightly so, enough Institution’s huge just one. The world’s he was al - Lenny Bernstein time to put amphitheater. After finest music hall? ways the center of attention, (back)Carmon DeLeone (front) out his cig - the lecture, he an - That’s easy, without a whether in New York, Vienna, Tommy Schippers arette, ad - swered questions doubt, it’s Music Hall here in Cincinnati, or at Irma just his tie and head for the stage. from the audience. in Cincinnati.’ Later I Lazarus’ ski lodge in Vail. And there Yours truly, his young assistant, One of the questions moved to Cincinnati is Tommy Schippers, whose mo - would breathe a sigh of relief and was, ‘If you had to and couldn’t wait to ments on the podium will live for - head out into the house to join the choose the world’s visit Music Hall. I ever in the memories of all of us audience for another evening of finest orchestra, agree with Sir who were lucky enough to witness pure magic.” conductor, music Rudolph Bing.” them. Because he had a habit of – Carmon DeLeone, hall, which would you – Ruth Levinson showing up for performances only a Cincinnati Ballet Music Director Sir Rudolph Bing choose?’ After a long 21 MUSIC HALL Marks MUSIC HALL Marks 22 feel a part of its past and its pres - the stage in the darkened hall re - A Music Hall Memory ent. I am a part of its red velvet minds me that only in the dark Imagine having your 6th birth - larger story that my friends and I seats and gold trim. I partied there might I be the star, live the fan - day party incorporated into a Music had no inkling of. All I could think as a child. I auditioned in Music tasy... Those moments fill me up. Hall event headlined by “Captain about was that my hero, Captain Hall’s Green Room for the May They are my secret, my privilege, Kangaroo”! It was 1962. Kangaroo, was going to Festival Chorus. I have rehearsed the taking advantage of the Hall My mother and fa - stop by my backstage in a room upstairs that one must when it is resting. ther were associated birthday party and give take small, musty steps to get to. I When I walk into the second with the Symphony, the us each an autographed have walked in on soloists warm - floor foyer I see the history of the Opera and the Ballet picture of him. The party ing up in dressing rooms I thought hall laid out on its walls. I am a among other community took place after the show were small part of arts organizations. If somewhere in the bow - marked for that his - there was an opportu - els of the great Hall. the chorus. I tory…as a nity for me to be in - How awesome was that? took a performer volved with any of It is almost 50yrs. later Karen Schulman-Bear coaching and an audi - these, my mom could and I can still remember lesson from ence mem - “make it happen”. the “walk”, the “curtsey”, the audi - the great ber. I I remember being back stage ence laughing, and the party back - soprano remember with all the kids stage with cake, Benita Va - so many of that were invited ice cream, party lenté in one the faces, to my birthday hats, and a visit of its prac - the directors, party. At that by the “Captain” tice rooms. I artists, and age, the stage himself. have stood Music Hall’s May Festival Chorus sponsors. As was enormous! My memo - on the a child of My friends and I ries of Music Hall proscenium of the stage, in the parents who were on the boards of were coached began with that flood of a single spotlight and the CSO, Opera, Ballet, and The on how to walk party and they began our Carolfest performance Society for the Preservation of across the continue today. I singing the opening verse of “Once Music Hall, it has become a sec - music hall stage have been per - in Royal David’s City” as a soloist; ond home for me. Music Hall has dressed in large forming with the a chorus member’s dream. brought me tremendous joy both trench coats. Cincinnati May During our breaks I have been on stage and off. It has always We were to stop Festival Chorus known to sneak onto the stage and been there… breathing life into me, in the middle of since 1987. I let loose with an operatic high B- into the city, and is still creating the stage and now live 70 miles flat or twirl in pirouettes across the memories for us all. “curtsey” or away in Central empty stage to an audience of no - Karen Schulman-Bear “bow” before Captain Kangaroo KY and I can’t one. A dim, single, bare bulb left on proceeding off. give it up. I have As we walked we were pursued by logged more than 125,000 miles the infamous Captain Kangaroo; over the last 10 yrs. just traveling to Thanks to all who contributed these memories! Special thanks to following our footsteps with a giant and from the Hall for this commit - Janelle Gelfand for permission to reprint selections from her magnifying glass in hand. It was a ment. When I am in Music Hall for Enquirer tribute to Music Hall’s 125th anniversary and to “walk on”. We were part of a much rehearsals or performing on stage I Scott Santangelo for his collection! – Kathy Janson 23 MUSIC HALL Marks MUSIC HALL Marks 24 Music Hall Has It All! ‘Classical Roots’ On Broadway!! May 5th Presented by SPMH Do your musical tastes tend to - singing when “Lift Ev’ry Voice and No need to catch a New York peared on Broadway in Les Miser - ward classical, pops, R&B, jazz, Sing” opened the evening with the flight to get a taste of the ‘Great ables , Titanic and Children and Art , etc.? Music Hall has something for 156-member choir comprised of White Way’! Be dazzled by the and in several off-Broadway pro - everyone! On March 11th the Hall members from various area sounds and sight of the Mighty ductions. He has toured with the resonated with powerful voices churches. A fitting ending to the cel - Wurlitzer ‘On first national when a collaboration of the CSO, ebratory evening was a lively rendi - Broadway’! companies of May Festival and members from 24 tion of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus!” About the Sunset Boule - African-American Churches artists: vard and Les produced “Classical Roots: Lift Walt Strony Miserables E’ry Voice”. The 11th year for One of Amer - among others. the event and the first held in ica’s premier Roles at Music Hall, the sold-out pro - concert or - Denver Center gram featured performances ganists, hav - Theatre, Hous - by internationally acclaimed ing the ton Grand artists, soprano Angela Brown, reputation of Opera and Flat tenor Rodrick Dixon and con - being one of Rock Play - ductor Michael Morgan. Vocal - America’s Ortganist Walt Strony house are a ist Ingrid Woode, of Cincinnati, most original few of those debuted her composition and interesting sounding concert included among his regional cred - ‘When This Life is Over.” organists, Walt has performed from its. Mark has sung the music of Other offerings ranged from coast to coast in the U.S. as well classic Broadway composers as a compositions by Giuseppe as in Japan, Australia, England and guest artist with numerous sym - Verdi and Richard Wagner to Canada. He is the only living or - phonies. He has won many awards Spirituals and foot tapping, ganist to have been twice voted for directing including an Acclaim hand clapping, Gospel Music. “Organist of the Year” by the Ameri - Award for his direction of The The audience needed little en - can Theatre Organ Society. As a Women at NKU. Mark most re - couragement to join in the recording artist, he has over 30 al - cently directed the Carnegie Pro - bums to his name. His book “The duction of Carousel with The Secrets of Theatre Organ Registra - Cincinnati Ballet and Carmon Michael Morgan tion” is the standard reference book DeLeone. He currently teaches act - on this subject. Walt’s talent as a ing and musical theatre perform - pipe organ consultant of both the - ance at Northern Kentucky atre and classical instruments has University. taken him to instruments around Lisa Ericksen Having begun the world. Mr. Strony has lived and her extensive career as a classical performed in Las Vegas since singer, Lisa has performed leading 1999. operatic and concert roles with Mark Hardy One of Greater such groups as the Baltimore Cincinnati’s most prolific profes - Opera, Concert Opera of Philadel - sional theatre artists, Mark has ap - phia, Lincoln Center, Piccola LaS - (l) Vocalist Ingrid Woode, (r) tenor Rodrick Dixon and soprano Angela Brown (above) the 156-member choir 25 MUSIC HALL Marks MUSIC HALL Marks 26 cala, Tel Aviv Sym - and Woman 2 in phony Orchestra, Side by Side by the National Bulgar - Sondheim . Lisa 2009(S -e p2te0m1be1r 2S0P09M - ApHril 2 D011o) nors ian Radio Orchestra teaches Voice at and the Cincinnati Northern Kentucky A James & Carolyn Bruckmann Ballet. She has University in the Charles & Mary Abbott Thomas G. Bruckmann Soprano Lisa Ericksen and Tenor Mark Hardy sung major roles in Department of Gloria G. Ackerman Mr. & Mrs. Frederick E. Bryan III Rigoletto , Don Giovanni and The Theatre and Dance. Lisa Allison Otto M. Budig, Jr. Magic Flute . As a crossover artist, The Mighty Wurlitzer -- A full Anonymous Ms. Bobbie Bull Lisa has performed the parts of orchestra in one organ! Donald C. Auberger, Jr. Ann J. Bunis Carlotta in Phantom of the Opera , Charlotte in A Little Night Music B C Elsa Jane Baer Deborah W. Campbell William T. Bahlman, Jr. Joan Cavally Dr. & Mrs. George P. Balz Cin. Stage Emp. Local No. 5 Michael & Kimberly Baranowski Cin. Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local No. 864 Mr. & Mrs. Wayne K. Barfels Mrs. Jackson L. Clagett III Becky Lenair Baskett John & Theresa Clock Glenda B. Bates Dr, & Mrs. John Cohn Dorothy E. Bauer Mr. & Mrs. Leland M. Cole The Society For the Preservation of Music Hall presents Robert A. Bauer Mr. & Mrs. John P. Connole Beck Architecture Mr. & Mrs. Robert Cook ON Mr. & Mrs. Sheal L. Becker Corbett Foundation Dr. Paul Bellet Ralph C. Corley, Jr. BROADWAY Mrs. Julien E. Benjamin Dr. Robin T. Cotton With Mrs. Thomas S. Benjamin Jane G. Cox The Ellen A. Berghamer David & Martha P. Crafts MIGHTYfeat uWring URLITZER Harvey & Thelma Bergman Paul & Janice Crumrine Jean F. Bergstein Organist Mary Bergstein D Walt Strony Louis M. Dauner Soprano Lisa Ericksen Eileen Berke Bruce & Barbara Best Sally H. Dessauer Tenor Mark Hardy Dr. David & Elaine Billmire W. C. & Jean Dicken, Jr. Nancy Kohnen Black Maureen C. Dillon Dr. Karen Dinsmore May 5, 2011 • 10:30 am. & 7 pm. Mr. & Mrs. Robert Blatt Paul J. Dirkes Music Hall Ballroom Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Blum, Jr. Fay K. Boeh Jean Z. Donaldson Tickets $25 Connie Bergstein Dow ($20 for seniors, children and groups of 10 or more) John & Mary Ann Boorn D. Michael Bootes Mrs. Charles Downton III www.CincinnatiArts.ORG (513) 621-2787 Kenneth B. Bordwell Marjorie W. Drackett riverpoint_capital_management.gif 415!100 pixels 3/31/11 10:34 AM David & Jennie Drasin Performance Sponsors: Barbara Boyd Marilynn K. Braude Suzanne F. Dunbar Ms. Constance Breitbeil Richard B. Dusterberg In cooperation with the Ohio Valley Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society Mr. & Mrs. R. Richard Broxon E 27 MUSIC HALL Marks MUSIC HALL Marks 28 Harold & Linda Eberenz Joanne Grueter Marilyn R. Kircer Jerry & Monica Nerl Janet & Joel Ebersole Lee Koehler Janet Neumann Mr. & Mrs. Jerome H. Eichert H Peter E. Koenig Mr. & Mrs. Stan Neumann Jane Ellis Mr. & Mrs. Richard Haberstroh Patrick M. Korb Dr. Melvyn M. Nizny Charles N. Ellman Oliver & Jeanette Hagerman Carol L. Kruse Ray & Patti Normile Constance Elsaesser Priscilla G. Haffner Rita W. Nowikowski Louise A. Eversull Dr. Kelly Hale L Margaret Hammelrath Susan Laffoon O F Mercedes M. Hance Walter E. Langsam Jane & Ervin Oberschmidt Alice R. Fegelman Catherine Harris Robert & Mary Lanier Carolyn R. O’Bryan Evelyn Ferguson Dr. & Mrs. Morton Harshman Mary & Alan Lehn Tamar & Alan Oestreich James & Janet Ferguson Dr. & Mrs. Robert J. Hasl Robert & Jan Leslie Mr. & Mrs. William R. Oligee Mr. & Mrs. John W. Fischer III Mrs. Jack Hasselbring Carl H. Lindner Myra Olinger Mrs. Hilliard J. Fjord Cornelius W. Hauck The Linnemann Foundation Fred W. Oliver Blair S. Fleischmann Trautlinde R. Heater & Thomas Lippert Marilyn Z. Ott Doris A. Fluck Betty Heldman Edward & Ina Loftspring Esther Foote Mrs. Ann L. Helmsderfer Dr. Jennifer Loggie P Morris & Patricia Passer Jane A. Foster Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Henley Mr. & Mrs. Phillip C. Long Ms. Lavonia Payton Thomas R. Frank William E. Henrich Joyce & Dan Lorey Mark & Kim Pearson Carl & Terril Freese Allison Herschede Mr. & Mrs. William Lotts Gloria Bradley Pemberton Carolyn J. Frey The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation Ralph & Frances Lowenstein Rick Pender Eugene & Edith Frey Geraldine A. & Van Hill Dr. Nancy Luddeke Mr. & Mrs. John E. Pepper, Jr. Rita Fritsch Joseph L. Hollmann Norma Petersen Samantha Dawson Fuchs Robert & Dorothy Holzwarth M Helene & Millard Mack Mrs. Claire B. Phillips Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Fullman Marcella Hsiung & Tony Lang Mr. David J. Mason David & Alice B. Phillips Carolyn R. Hunt G Christina Martich Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Pichler Mrs. William F. Gallagher I Mr. & Mrs. Allen S. Martin Mr. & Mrs. John W. Plattner Gannett Foundation Indian Hill Women’s Civic Club Bobbie Maybrier Timothy L. Pohlman, D.D.S. Neil & Linda Gartner James & Rebecca McDermott Dr. & Mrs. Michael Porte GE Foundation Matching Contribution J Nancy A. McGary Amanda H. Prus Mrs. Philip O. Geier, Jr. Atarah Jablonsky Dr. & Mrs. William McKim, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Michael J. Gelfand Michael & Kathleen Janson Mr. & Mrs. Donald L. Mellott R Jane R. Randolph S. Bradley Gillaugh Linda Busken Jergens The Merten Company Helen Rank John & Rebecca Gilliam Robert & Harriett M. Johnson Mary L. Meyer Gerald D. Rape Gary L. Gilmer Scott & Karolon Johnson Jerome M. Miller J. Lee Rasmussen Ralph Ginocchio Mr Robert M. Jones Steven Monder Jean Ratcliff David N. Ginsburg Mary Ann Jordan Donn S. Montgomery Timothy L. & Paulette A. Reed Mr. & Mrs. John Goldman Mace C. Justice Herta L. Moore Margaret A. Reiss Elizabeth Goldsmith Robert & Deborah Morse K Prof. Edward J. Requardt Martha Gramss Marjorie Motch Richard Karbowski & Stephanie Stewart Alene W. Rice Carol Grasha & Christopher Knoop Mr. & Mrs. Reuven J. Katz Melody Sawyer Richardson William E. Griess, Jr. N Paul C. Keidel Mrs. Svet Nankovitch Mr. Ed Rider Katherine H. Groll Dr. Robert A. Kemper Sr. Ruth Nastold, R.S.M. Richard P. Robinson Robert D. Groszer Kenwood Women’s Club 29 MUSIC HALL Marks MUSIC HALL Marks 30 Ramon Rodriguez Jim & Martha Suetholz Edward & Nancy Rosenthal Dale Swisher Joanne Honschopp- ‘Music Hall Panorama’ Mr. & Mrs. Jack Rouse The original painting ‘Music Hall An impressive collection of awards Michael Rozow, Jr. T Panorama’ is available for purchase, adorns her studio door, including the Dr. & Mrs. Shiro Tanaka as are prints, through the artist at her 2010 BEST OF SHOW at Northern S Sue Thacker Pendleton studio (513-241-9860) Kentucky Heritage League's juried James & Joyce Salinger Joyce A. Thieman www.jhonschopp.com . show. Ms. Honschopp's work James R. Salutz Norman J. Thomas Other paintings and prints of is included in 29 Corporate Mr. & Mrs. Richard Salzer James L. Thompson Music Hall can also be seen and innumerable private col - Mr. & Mrs. Mark Schlachter Mr. & Mrs. Richard Todd there. Opening June 10th at lections. A master of diverse Cyril & Stacy Schmidt Marcella G. Trice The 5th Street Gallery (5th talents, she can stretch the Mr. & Mrs. Richard Schorr Mr. & Mrs. James S. Trowbridge Marge Schworer Miriam Tsevat and Race) is Joanne’s show imagination to include an Martha Seaman of Cincinnati landmarks and array of subjects and ap - Mildred J. Selonick U skylines titled “Tribute”. proaches and much of her Mr. & Mrs. Owen G. Sexton V A native of Cincinnati, work is commissioned. She is Kathryn & Vishnoo Shahani Ruth Ann Voet Ohio and a painter as pro - Joanne Honschopp currently represented by Gal - fession for 30 years, Ms. Honschopp lerie Veronique in Montgomery, Ohio, Raleigh Sharrock W Jean J. Shaw Sallie R. Wadsworth was graduated with honors from the Art on the Levee in Newport, KY, Liz- Carolyn R. Shine Donald E. Walker Art Academy of Cincinnati, and is Beth Gallery, Knoxville, TN and over Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Shott Katherine Wambach considered the favorite in south west - 20 Independent Agents and Art Con - Mr. & Mrs. Donald C. Siekmann Dr. & Mrs. Arden Wander ern Ohio for her paintings of Cincin - sultants across the country. Mr. & Mrs. Jim Simpson Mr. & Mrs. John M. Ward nati. Married to Jazz bassist Lou Joanne paints daily in her studio, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Sittenfeld Mr. & Mrs. Paul H. Ward Lausche, music has long influenced on the 8th floor of the Pendleton Art Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Skidmore Mr. & Mrs. Frederick D. Warren her life and work. Joanne's work Center. The studio is open each Carson Smith Paula J. Watters was honored at the Evansville Art month to the public on "Final Friday" Sisters of the Transfiguration Mark & Lisa Weadick Museum's "Realism in Art" Exhibition and on follow-up "Second Look Sat - Bill & Sue Sommer Katie K. Weed and she has been invited to exhibit in urday". Information on the open Marie F. Speziale Ron Wehmeier Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, house is available at Richard & Lois Sprigg Richard W. Wesp Tennessee, California and Florida. www.pendletonartcenter.com. Robert Staab Erwin & Linda Wolber Mr. & Mrs. Ethan B. Stanley Shelby Wood Mr. John R. Steelman Stacey G. Woolley SPMH Newsletter Acknowledgements Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Stegman Rollin W. Workman Editor Photo Credits: Julia & David Stephen Dr. & Mrs. Richard Wurzelbacher Kathy Janson Christopher Buchanan Mary Stern Jr. Phil Groshong John F. Stevenson X Contributing Writers Mark Lyons Ms. Evelyn P. Stitt Y Lisa Allison Chris Pinelo Mrs. John J. Strader John M. Yacher Mace Justice Scott Santangelo Mr. & Mrs. George E. Stump Mr. & Mrs. Eric B. Yeiser Karen Schulman-Bear Don Siekmann Lenore Stulbarg Cover Art Z Music Hall Panorama Design and Layout By Joanne Honschopp Please let us know if we have duplicated,omitted Creative Flair Co. or misspelled your name (513) 744-3293 Printing The Merten Company spmh_logo_200x170.jpg 200!170 pixels 3/24/11 1:42 PM