Peninsula Music Festival Conductor Retires

Victor Yampolsky, longtime music director and conductor of the Peninsula Music Festival (PMF), has announced his retirement and will step down on August 24, following the final concert of his 34th season on the podium. Yampolsky will leave behind a remarkable legacy of dedication and service. With his decades of leadership, the orchestra now boasts an impressive roster of 65 professional musicians who represent leading symphony and opera orchestras worldwide. “I am looking forward to the next new period in my life, but always proud and grateful for what we have achieved,” Yampolsky said. “I believe the Peninsula Music Festival to be starting a new, exciting chapter in its 67-year history, and I will be following the future achievements of this truly unique organization with joy and great memories. As for my professional plans, I look forward to continuing my relationship with Northwestern University as a member of the faculty at the Bienen School of Music, and enjoying my upcoming debuts and return conducting engagements with the Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, Israeli Camerata, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Wintergreen Music Festival, St. Petersburg Conservatory and the Wroclaw Philharmonic in Poland.” David Keen, president of PMF’s board of directors, said, “We look forward to celebrating Victor this summer and honoring his many contributions and musical accomplishments around the world.” Christoph Ptack, PMF’s executive director, added: “This is a defining moment in the artistic life of the festival. We’re grateful to Maestro Yampolsky for his vision and commitment to excellence over the years. He’s created a first-class musical destination here in Door County, upon which we will continue to build.” When asked what the immediate future holds for the organization, Ptack said, “A committee is being formed, and the nationwide search to name a successor will begin shortly – the final chapter of which will unfold onstage at the auditorium, when our finalists take the podium to showcase their talents in concert with the Festival Orchestra.”