On SATURDAY, June 15th from 6:30-8:30 p.m., the Helena Symphony will host an evening to support the Symphony and its music-making in the community. As one the Symphony’s most popular events, Music in the Mansions gives people the opportunity to experience two historic private residences in Helena, while enjoying food, wine, and the artistry of the musicians of the Helena Symphony Orchestra.
The two private residences include the historic 1890 home of W.E. Cox built by prominent turn of the century architect George S. Appleton located at 531 Power Street. The home includes an elaborate roofline with a gable, two towers, and a miniature tower for a ventilator, which was the hallmark of W. H. Orr, the contractor and builder. The interior of the home maintains the grand oak stairway and oak paneled dining room. John Henry Longmaid purchased the home in 1897 and lived there for over 30 years. The family of Hugh D. Galusha, who founded the firm Galusha, Higgins and Galusha, were also residents of the historic mansion. Today, the home has been restored to most of the original décor and design by current owners Lucy Dayton and Mark O’Keefe.
HSO award-winning Harpist Tess Michel will provide music for the historic Power Street mansion, and light-fare provided by caterer and chef Jeff Spurlin, owner of the popular Creperie.
Attendees will also visit the legendary Henry Sieben Home located at 520 Harrison Avenue. As an uneducated orphan, Henry Sieben came to Montana when he was a seventeen, and rose to pioneer Montana’s livestock industry. Honesty, integrity, fair treatment, and a love for animals earned Sieben a national reputation. He was a co-founder of the Montana Woolgrowers Association, and although elected to the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, Sieben never owned a pair of cowboy boots. In addition to starting the Montana Children’s Home, he and his wife Alberta (who was also active in civic affairs), built this West Side home around 1898.
Constructed of the high quality pressed brick that was manufactured by Nick Kessler at his brickyards west of Helena, the graceful curved porch, offset entry, and multiple bay windows enhance the asymmetry required of the Queen Anne style. Cherry, walnut, birds-eye maple, oak, and faux leather interior finishings are some of great features of the home. The magnificent residence lacked a carriage house for the fine Sieben horses since telephones made it convenient to stable them elsewhere. Sieben maintained this home until his death in 1937. In 2001, Ron Lee and the late Sue Clarke purchased the home, where they have opened the home for many events and soirees.
The nationally-note and popular Violinist and HSO Concertmaster Stephen Cepeda will provide musical accompaniment to the exquisite Sieben Home. To add to the event, Madrigal Singers from the Helena Symphony Chorale will entertain attendees during the transition from the two mansions.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to experience Helena Symphony Orchestra musicians in an intimate setting, along with the atmosphere and history of two of Helena’s most celebrated historic homes,” explains Symphony Special Event Coordinator Darien Scott.
Tickets are very limited to this event, and are available for $60.00 by calling the Helena Symphony office, at 406-442-1860, or on line at helenasymphony.org. Tickets are limited.
NOTE: The Symphony offices are moving. As of June 10, the Helena Symphony offices will be located at the Livestock Building on the Walking Mall, at 2 N. Last Chance Gulch.