The audience is seated on the main floor and balcony. The musicians arrive on stage. Soon, the opening notes of “Bachianas Brasileiras No. 2” soar to life from a cello choir.
This concert setup may sound familiar, but it has one significant distinction – the venue is the Ames living room of Dennis Wendell, retired Parks Library librarian and generous friend of the Department of Music and Theatre. Wendell has made many contributions to the Ames community through the years, including thoughtfully designing his home to host a one-of-a-kind event: the Iowa State musicale.
Bringing people together
Wendell’s parents and teachers encouraged his love of music and antiques at an early age. In 1957, Wendell, his father, Con, and neighbor Paul Buegel hatched a plan to assemble a pipe organ in the basement of Wendell’s childhood home on Duff Avenue in Ames.
A fruit cellar became the organ chamber, with the blower under the steps and the console in the main room. This unusual hobby also became a project of local interest and was featured in the Ames Tribune.
“Dad had fixed up the basement and so many people wanted to hear the organ, and so I would give little concerts that way,” Wendell said.
Sixty-eight years later, Wendell continues to bring people together in the Ames home he purchased in 2001, where music and culture permeate its walls with artistic energy.
Making a house a (musical) home
Daniel and Suzanne Zaffarano helped establish the Iowa State musicale in the 1990s in homes throughout Ames. The event aimed to build connections between Iowa State students and the community and to fund student scholarships.
Now, the musicale occurs annually in April in Wendell’s inviting home. This spring’s program highlighted the cello studio, an organist, an eight-hand duet on two pianos, vocal soloists, a solo percussionist, and members of the Ames Piano Quartet. Funds raised support scholarships and high-impact travel experiences for students nationally and abroad.
“I want to get people excited about different cultures and different types of music. If I can get someone else enthused about something, that’s wonderful.”
Wendell’s recital hall can accommodate over 50 guests for the musicale. It includes main floor seating – where cozy couches and armchairs abound – a balcony section, an automated stage curtain, multiple baby grand pianos, an organ, and more. Guests get to enjoy world-class performances from a few feet away.
“I started out storing everything in the basement and setting up, and now I just leave it this way year-round, ready to go,” Wendell said.
Wendell combines a librarian’s aptitude for detail with the warm spirit of a gracious host. From musing about how to stage the pianos to coordinating guest parking, he constantly tinkers with ideas for improving the event.
“Sometimes at night, I’ll think of something and write it down, and in the morning, I’ll phone someone,” he said.
The joy of sharing
“They’ve all been special for me,” said Wendell of his years hosting the musicale. “I don’t think there have ever been any flops.
“This is what I live for, to share,” he said. “I want to get people excited about different cultures and different types of music. If I can get someone else enthused about something, that’s wonderful.”
Sidebar: Touring Wendell’s home
Touring Dennis Wendell’s home is like traipsing behind a butterfly. Every few steps, there’s a pause as his delight and attention alights on a cultural artifact, a family antique, or an object crafted by artisans. Conversation pieces abound from his travels through Europe and Asia and from his many years of collecting.
“Oh, this shape is one of my favorites. Isn’t that great?” Wendell said, holding up a hand carved wooden bowl. “Wow, wouldn’t you like to have cereal in the morning in that?”
Wendell’s balcony is a favorite spot. Once the musicale’s guests are seated, the railing – a feature he negotiated with the City of Ames – swings down to enhance the view.
“I often like to come up here; I made sure I hit the clearance,” Wendell said.
Wendell loves for guests to meander and explore the conversation pieces in his home, from a Japanese cricket box to his collection of church hymnals.
Decades of cherished guest books reflect Wendell’s love of visitors. He especially values the friendships he made advising and hosting international students over the years.
“I feel very, very fortunate indeed meeting these quality people,” he said.
Wendell estimates he has about 1,000 player piano rolls – and quickly notes that another Ames resident has more.
Musicians warm up for the musicale in the basement, and a special staircase offers them a direct shortcut to the stage.
“It’s more professional that way,” Wendell said.
Wendell plays the Dutch National Anthem on a three-manual organ.
“I’m a little shy on pianos,” he said. “I’ve got three up here and one in the basement.”