Midsummer’s Music Names New Development Director

Koki Sato. Submitted.

Plus, “Gather with the Griffon” miniconcert series comes to Door County

Midsummer’s Music has named Koki Sato as its new development director.

Sato is the founder and administrative director of the University of Minnesota New Music Ensemble. He has also held positions at the University of Minnesota School of Music, the National Repertory Orchestra and the Saint Paul Chamber Music Institute. 

His volunteer background includes a position on the board of directors at Thursday Musical, a Twin Cities-based nonprofit dedicated to enriching local music communities. 

Born in Tokyo, Sato is a classical pianist and an advocate of new music and its potential to expand the boundaries of classical music. He is currently an ABD doctoral candidate studying under Alexander Braginsky at the University of Minnesota, with a research interest in the programming and reception of post-1945 music at major American orchestras.

“As a classical pianist, the organizational mission to enrich the local community through engaging programming and performances resonates with me,” Sato said of his new position at Midsummer’s Music. 

The organization’s resident ensemble, the Griffon String Quartet, will bring its “Gather with the Griffon” miniconcert series to Door County starting April 24.

The one-hour performance series designed for midday audiences is coming to the peninsula after gaining popularity in Green Bay over the last few years. 

The first local performance will be at Eagle Harbor Inn, 9914 Water St. in Ephraim, on April 24, 12 pm. 

The show will feature selections from Brazilian composer Heitor Vila-Lobos’ “String Quartet No. 1” and Ludwig van Beethoven’s “String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 18.” These selections will be played by violinists Roy Meyer and Alex Norris, violist Kayla Patrick and cellist Jesse Nummelin.