Kreutzer/Dvořák Program at Midsummer Music Festival

As Door County’s Midsummer’s Music Festival continues its 2016 season with a program featuring music by Conradin Kreutzer and Antonín Dvořák.

Kreutzer studied under one of Beethoven’s teachers and was highly thought of during his day for his chamber music pieces, including the Septet for Winds and Strings in E-flat Major, Op. 62. He was, first and foremost, an operatic composer. He has more than 40 operas to his credit. Given such success, it is particularly surprising that Kreutzer is perhaps best known for this one instrumental composition.

When the 34-year-old Dvořák composed the String Quintet in G Major – his second string quintet – he was becoming a prominent figure in Prague musical circles. His earliest compositions date from the 1860s and show a decided influence of Richard Wagner. Eventually Dvořák began to find his own compositional voice featuring Czech folk elements.

The Kreutzer/Dvořák program will be performed at the following dates/locations: June 26, 7 pm, Woodwalk Gallery, Egg Harbor; June 28, 7 pm, Sister Bay Moravian Church; June 29, 7 pm, Björklunden, Baileys Harbor; June 30, 3 pm, Old Gibraltar Town Hall, Fish Creek.

Woodwalk Gallery invites attendees to bring their own picnics starting at 5 pm and spend time relaxing and enjoying the newly landscaped gardens. An optional dinner with Midsummer’s musicians at Alexander’s follows the June 30 performance; advanced reservations are required. Tickets for the June 26, 28, 29 and 30 concerts are $29 for adults, $10 for students, and children 12 and under are free. Tickets for the June 30 dinner/concert package are $75.

The 2016 season runs June 17 – July 23 and August 23 – September 5. For more information visit midsummersmusic.com.