World Traveling Pianist

Pianist Jeannie Yu performing at a Midsummer’s Music Festival concert at Ellison Bay Manor in 2013.

Midsummer’s Music star pianist, Jeannie Yu, and her husband and cellist, Stefan Kartman, have been invited by the government in Beijing, China, to perform and teach in a new Faculty Training Program for the music school faculties in Beijing.

When the Chinese officials first contacted Jeannie Yu, she had to tell them that the dates they were interested in conflicted with some of her appearances with Midsummer’s Music. However, Yu’s schedule had a window of about a week, and the officials were willing to accommodate her schedule.

The arrangement that was worked out allowed Yu to perform on June 17 at Bj?rklunden, fly to Beijing, and return to Door County just in time for her next performances with Midsummer’s Music on June 26. “I can’t imagine the jet-lag involved in this undertaking,” said Jim Berkenstock, Midsummer’s Music Artistic Director, “but Jeannie is such a fantastic performer, I am absolutely certain she will do it with the greatest aplomb.”

Yu is excited at the prospect of bringing some of her Door County Midsummer’s Music experience to bear on the Beijing Project. “It’s a great opportunity for us to share our expertise in our areas and to broaden the experience of our Chinese counterparts as they strive to bring western art music to their students. We also look forward to the exchange of ideas this project will initiate with hopes that both our countries will grow from the experience,” she said.

For more information regarding the Midsummer’s Music Festival schedule call 920.854.7088 or visit midsummersmusic.com.