Culture Club: Harmonizing the Holidays

Griffon String Quartet performs at Piggly Wiggly, Sister Bay. Submitted.

The Unconventional Caroling Journeys of Griffon String Quartet

by ALLYSON FLECK

Executive Director, Midsummer’s Music

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread the festive cheer than with unexpected encounters of a string quartet caroling in the most unconventional places? Griffon String Quartet, the only year-round professional ensemble in Northeastern Wisconsin, is changing the game of holiday music with their community caroling project, bringing joy to residents and tourists alike.

Established in 2018, the Griffon String Quartet residency aims to actively embed itself in the community, captivating every generation through the power of music. Their mission, to educate, enrich, and excite, goes beyond the concert hall, reaching youth, seniors, and those facing Alzheimer’s or dementia. A testament to their commitment, the quartet offers violin, viola, and cello lessons, concerts, pop-up performances, and outreach programs.

One of the most remarkable initiatives of the Griffon String Quartet is their community caroling project, which kicks off each year during the holiday season. Touring Door and Brown counties, the quartet surprises locals with holiday selections at unexpected locations, from local businesses to the Lambeau Field offices of the Green Bay Packers.

I remember the first caroling visit in 2018, where the Griffon String Quartet set up in front of the deli counter at the Piggly Wiggly in Sister Bay. The initial surprise and delight on the faces of customers quickly turned to a concern – were they allowed to enjoy such live music in a grocery store? Once reassured that the music was for everyone, joy replaced uncertainty. Shopping became a different experience, turning mundane tasks into moments of artistic appreciation.

The quartet of two violins (Roy and Alex), a viola (Oryann), and a cello (Jesse) – all accomplished musicians with advanced degrees, global performances, and exceptional teaching skills – transforms everyday spaces into impromptu concert venues. Packed with music stands, caroling books, instruments, and a cellist chair, they travel in the Midsummer’s Music Van, lovingly nicknamed “Van Beethoven.”

From Scandia in Sister Bay to the Packers Lambeau Field offices, the quartet’s caroling journey spans the length and breadth of Northeastern Wisconsin. The unexpected encounters draw in people who may have never experienced the magic of a live string quartet before. Some stand in awe, as if in an art gallery, absorbing the music, while others hum and stroll, giving thumbs up as they go about their day.

This year, the Griffon String Quartet will make over three dozen stops during their caroling tour, reaching thousands of community members. The project wouldn’t be possible without the support of key sponsors, including the Door County Medical Center, Innovative Printing, OneTouchPoint, the Green Bay Packers Foundation, the Wisconsin Arts Board, National Endowment for the Arts, Greater Green Bay Foundation, Door County Community Foundation, Bader Philanthropies, and generous donors.

The quartet invites everyone to join them for pay-what-you-can concerts on Dec.14-17. The concerts feature masterpieces such as Beethoven’s Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135, and Dvořák’s Quartet No. 13 in G Major, Op. 106, along with festive holiday selections and a sing-along.

If you happen to spot the Griffon String Quartet caroling on Dec. 7, 8, or 12, don’t hesitate to say hello, tag them on Facebook, and revel in the knowledge that they are performing for you and your community. For more information, visit midsummersmusic.com or call 920.854.7088.

As the holiday season unfolds, let the unexpected harmonies of Griffon String Quartet turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories, bringing the magic of live music to unexpected places.

Peninsula Arts and Humanities Alliance, which contributes Culture Club, is a coalition of nonprofit organizations whose purpose is to enhance, promote and advocate the arts, humanities and natural sciences in Door County.