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Mansion To Host Concert

By Staff | Oct 14, 2009

The Durham Mansion in Sistersville

The stunning Durham Mansion on Chelsea Street in Sistersville, currently owned by Dan and Linda Marrin, will provide the unique setting for the second on the 2009-2010 Artslink Concert Series scheduled for 2 p.m., Oct. 25. The Marrin family has graciously opened their home for this special event. Performing in concert will be Chatham Baroque of Pittsburgh.

Legend has it that E.A. and Ada Durham collected the different aspects of the beautiful Italian Renaissance mansion while on their honeymoon in Italy. They searched the countryside for marble, stonework, glass, fine bronze and ironwork, and returned home to commission Edward Franvheirn of Wheeling to build them the perfect home to display all that they had bought. It has remained a private residence since it was built, although various owners have allowed weddings and other social events to be held there from time to time.

The home has three finished levels in its 11,400 square feet. It also has 10 fireplaces, six bathrooms, and five bedrooms, including a master suite. The original chandeliers and light fixtures remain. An attached greenhouse is another unusual feature.

Another unique feature of the Oct. 25 concert is the collaboration between ArtsLink and the Tyler Revitalization Committee, which is serving as sponsor for the concert. Many members of both groups share the same goals and anticipate additional activities to promote a better quality of life in the Wetzel-Tyler area.

Patrons underwriting the concert include Dr. Rogelio and Martha Bantug, Dr. Thomas and Donna Gilligan, and Drs. Gary and Amanda Nichols. The Collett-Fouts family is also a patron and event host and organizer, honoring Andrew Welton Fouts, Baroque violinist.

The organizers expressed their appreciation to city officials, Sistersville Elementary Principal Robin Daquilante, and Sarah Rodriguez, SES music teacher, for their support.

Tickets for this event are available at the door, and the doors will open at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Family tickets are $20 and $25 respectively.

This program is being presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. The program is partially supported by a grant from Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, a program developed and funded by The Heinz Endowments; the William Penn Foundation; the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency; and The Pew Charitable Trusts; and administered by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation.

The remaining concerts in the series will include a performance by organist Luke Mayernik on Nov. 15, and cabaret singer Daphne Alderson on Feb. 20. The Fabulous Shpielkehs, klezmer musicians will perform on March 14, and a free concert featuring Resonance Percussion, scheduled for March 28.

ArtsLink strives to make all concerts accessible to persons with disabilities.

Persons in need of assistance may contact Donna Earley at the ArtsLink office at 304-455-2278.