Muses: The Women of Music Hall

Hamilton, Ohio – The famous chandelier garners a lot of attention at Cincinnati Music Hall, but the Muses of the Arts mural painted above it tells a story many people miss.

Thea Tjepkema, Friends of Music Hall board member and historian, brings those Muses to life during the March 4 Celebrating Self luncheon speaker series at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts.

Celebrating International Women’s Day, Tjepkema – a historic preservationist – shares stories of women vital to the history of the legendary venue, which turns 150 in 2028.

“When I moved to Cincinnati in 1995, I was blown away by this National Historic Landmark and iconic part of Cincinnati history,” she said. “I wanted to dig into it and learn more. I’m writing tours, talks, and blogs for the Friends of Music Hall to bring little-known history to light, making it even more relevant today.

“What I’m finding is every story we tell leads us down a new road and opens up more and more exciting stories to tell.”

Tjepkema said an early version of this presentation was to honor the 100^th anniversary of the women’s right to vote in 1920. In fact, Susan B. Anthony herself appeared at Music Hall in 1880 (but did not receive a particularly warm reception).

However, Tjepkema’s latest blog and newest Muse is Madame Marie Selika, who earned a better welcome as a singer at Music Hall in 1887. Born in Natchez, Mississippi, Selika moved to Cincinnati as a child, trained under Italian opera coaches and was one of the earliest African American performers on the Music Hall stage, a rarity in that era.

Guests also will hear about women like violin virtuoso Maud Powell and blues singer Mamie Smith. The former performed the U.S. premieres of 15 violin concertos, while the latter’s “Crazy Blues” recording sold more than a million copies in 1920 and led to an acclaimed sellout of Music Hall in 1921.

“If they performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall, they likely appeared at Music Hall,” Tjepkema said. “It’s still one of the grandest venues for the best and brightest.”

Tickets for the Celebrating Self luncheon are $26 for Fitton Center member, $32 for non-members, and are available online here, by phone at 513-863-8873, ext. 110 or in person at the Fitton Center box office. Guests may reserve full tables of eight or half tables of four when purchasing by phone or in person.

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is located at 101 S. Monument Avenue on the Riverfront in downtown Hamilton, Ohio.

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