The Well-Tempered Ear

Classical music: Summer fun and classical music mix well! The Midsummer’s Music Festival in Door County opens this Friday night and runs through July 17. It will feature music by Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Brahms and others. Performers include Madison’s Pro Arte String Quartet.

By Jacob Stockinger

Attention all visitors and vacationers to Wisconsin’s famous Door County.

Summer isn’t officially here, but summer vacation is. And classical music can mix very well with summertime fun and warm weather diversions –- especially in a state like Wisconsin where so many summer music festivals take place.

The Midsummer’s Music Festival in Door County kicks off this Friday night off with a Gala Opening Night. It includes champagne and chocolate, guest speakers, a concert and post-concert reception. Guests will be whisked away to an English Garden for the opening night premiere, featuring works of Vaughan Williams and Charles Villiers Sanford, where taste buds will be dazzled with chocolate and champagne.

Special guests will join in toasting the opening of the Door County arts season. World-class musicians will deliver a delightfully balanced and elegantly executed performance. The evening will end on a relaxed note when patrons can meet the Midsummer’s Music Festival musicians and chat with fellow concertgoers at the post premiere party where food and wine will be served.

Now in its 23rd year, Midsummer Music features world-class musicians from organizations such as the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Pro Arte Quartet (below), Aspen Music Festival, and artist faculties from major universities.

The festival will offer a series of 30 classical music concerts in a host of unique venues ranging from a 120-year old lakeside warehouse, to a quaint community church from the 1850s, to the grand hall of a palatial mansion overlooking Green Bay.

One event features a dinner cruise through Death’s Door Strait aboard the Island Clipper and then a concert on Washington Island at the Historic Island Dairy, now a concert facility, museum, and gallery.  Each venue exudes character and offers a distinct musical experience for the listener.

The theme of this year’s festival is “Bursting with Passion” with works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Brahms, and more.

The main concert series featuring the full complement of 16 musicians runs from June 7 through July 17.

Tickets range from $25-$50 for most events.  Midsummer’s Music Festival, PO Box 1004, 10568 Country Walk Lane, Suite 109, Sister Bay, WI 54234.

For more information about times, dates, performers programs and tickets, visit www.midsummersmusic.com or call (920) 854-7088.

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