Midsummer’s Music Festival and Local Actors Interpret “The Seven Last Words of Christ”

What do Mother Teresa, Saint Francis of Assisi, Martin Luther, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Saint Teresa of Avila, Mother Ann Lee, and Martin Luther King, Jr. have in common?

Of course, the common bond is Christianity, but on April 7, the bond will include Midsummer’s Music Festival’s “The Seven Last Words of Christ” concert at 7 pm at Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay.

Franz Joseph Haydn’s “The Seven Last Words of Christ” has been performed hundreds of times over the years since the composition was first written and presented. It has become a traditional part of Holy Week observances throughout the world. This year as Midsummer’s Music once again presents the Haydn work for inspiration and celebration of Holy Week, they have added a new perspective. Local actors will be presenting the diverse voices of historical figures, connecting their voices to one of the seven last words.

Voices in this unique performance will range from the servanthood of Mother Teresa, to the universalism of Saint Francis of Assisi, with the words of Martin Luther (one of the voices that started the Protestant Reformation), Saint Teresa of Avila, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor who was martyred in Nazi Germany, Mother Ann Lee (founder of the American Shakers), and Martin Luther King, Jr. All of these voices skillfully played and interpreted by local actors will help us hear the music from yet another perspective.

Actors Thor Thoreson, Leif Erickson, Jennifer Erickson, Rich Higdon, Katie Schnorr, Mike Moede, and Mary Moede will be joined by Midsummer’s Music world-class string quartet, which features David Perry and Isabella Lippi, violin; Sally Chisholm, viola; and Walter Preucil, cello, in this new presentation.

There is a suggested goodwill offering of $10 per adult for this concert. People of all faiths are invited to attend.

In addition to this performance, Midsummer’s Music is holding their Annual Palm Sunday Benefit Brunch at Alexander’s in Fish Creek on April 5 from 11 am – 2 pm. Chef Bruce Alexander will have a wonderful array of foods sure to please adults and children. $15 per adult, $5 youth 17 – 6, children 5 and under are free.

Advance reservations are not required for either event, although can be made via phone at 920.842.7088 or online at http://www.midsummerSmusic.com.