Conclusion of Midsummer’s Music’s “Ethereal Sounds” July 17

Midsummer’s Music concludes the first part of its 2017 festival season with concerts that include dinners, private homes and a cruise.

Concertgoers have one more opportunity to catch Midsummer’s Music exploration of unusual instrumentation in the Ethereal Sounds program on July 17, 5 pm, at the Fireside Restaurant in Ellison Bay. Antonín Dvořák’s “Bagatelles, Op. 47,” includes the unique tones of a harmonium with two violins and cello. “Adagio and Rondo in C Major, K. 617,” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart unites the sound of the harmonium with flute, oboe, viola and cello. Rounding out the program are Dvořák’s “String Quartet in F Minor, Op. 9,” and Michael Haydn’s “Quartet in C Major, P.115,” for English horn, violin, cello and double bass.

The Danish, Russian, French Airs program includes pieces by Johan Amberg, Camille Saint-Saëns, and Gabriel Fauré. The program plays July 14, 15 & 18. The July 14 concert includes a Bastille Day celebration in honor of the two French composers in this program.

The Dangerous Waters program includes four pieces that either directly – through the composition name – or indirectly – through undulating movements – evoke thoughts and emotions related to rolling seas. Wisconsin native Jacob Beranek, Midsummer’s first composer-in-residence, wrote “Death’s Door” for the 2017 festival. Named for the passage between Gills Rock and Washington Island, instrumentation is clarinet, horn, violin, cello, and piano. Other selections include: “Island Suite” from Frank Bridge, Franz Schreker’s “Der Wind,” and “Quartet in G Minor, Op. 25,” by Johannes Brahms. Performances will be held July 19, 22 & 23. The July 23 concert will be at Trueblood Performing Arts Center on Washington Island, with an Alexander’s-catered dinner aboard the Island Clipper beforehand.

On July 20, at a salon concert in a private home in Fish Creek, concertgoers can see the only July performance of The Czech Spirit program. Composer-in-residence Jacob Beranek returns with “Sempre nella luce,” a piece that was recently selected as a winner of the Dolce Suono Ensemble’s Young Composers contest. Other selections are: Bedřich Smetana’s “Trio in G Minor, Op. 15” and Dvořák’s “Trio in B-Flat Minor, Op. 21.”

For complete concert details and to order tickets, go to midsummersmusic.com or call 920.854.7088 during regular business hours.