Midsummer’s Music Presents 18th Season Finale

Midsummer’s Music Festival celebrates the end of their 18th season with a Labor Day series, August 29 – September 1.

"For many people, Labor Day means going back to school," explains executive director, Kathleen Pearson. "For us, this series is a finale not only to Midsummer’s Music Festival’s 18th season, but also to those who will be leaving the county for the winter."

Artistic Director, Jim Berkenstock, has put together another masterful program featuring music by Respighi, Moszkowski, and Schumann.

"Il tramonto (Sunset) by Ottorino Respighi is an especially powerful composition," says Berkenstock. "Our string quartet, featuring David Perry, 1st violin; Stephanie Preucil, 2nd violin; Sally Chisholm, viola; Walter Preucil, cello; will be joined by guest artist Cynthia Stiehl, Door County’s own mezzo-soprano. This unusual combination of voice and string quartet is a masterpiece in which the Italian composer, Respighi, gives full expression to a haunting poem by Percy Bysshe Shelly.”

The Suite in G Minor, Opus 71 for two violins and piano by Moritz Moszkowski is a delicate, yet powerful composition. David Perry and Stephanie Preucil will be accompanied by pianist William Koehler in what promises to be a very intimate musical experience as the two violinists trade virtuoso turns of phrase.

Robert Schumann’s Quintet in E-Flat Major, Opus 44 for piano and string quartet is a passionate and perfect ending to the festival’s 18th season.

The first three performances are scheduled for Friday, August 29, 7:30 pm at Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay; Saturday, August 30, 7:30 pm at St. Joseph Retreat in Baileys Harbor; and Sunday, August 31 at 3 pm at Ephraim Moravian Church. The cost is $25 per adult (tax is included), youth 17 and under are free.

The encore to the season’s finale is a spectacular joint benefit with Birch Creek Music Performance Center. “In Concert for Excellence” is a celebration of music and friendship in Birch Creek’s Juniper Hall, followed by an elegant reception by Alexander’s.

"Not only will we perform in Juniper Hall, Birch Creek’s beautiful new facility, but the proceeds will be divided between Birch Creek and Midsummer’s Music,” says Pearson. The joint benefit is on Monday, September 1 at 2 pm. The cost is $100 per person (tax included) and advance reservations are required.

To learn more or make reservations, call 920.854.7088 or visit http://www.midsummersmusic.com.