Midsummer’s Music, Wisconsin’s oldest summer chamber music series, launches its 2025 concert season with a program celebrating works by Clara and Robert Schumann, whose intense love story centered around the piano.
“The Romantic Era of the Schumanns” features Clara Schumann’s Three Romances, Op. 22, for violin and piano. Robert Schumann’s Quintet in E-flat Major is for piano, two violins, viola, and cello. Add Friedrich Kalkbrenner’s Sextet in G Major, Op. 58 – for piano, two violins, viola, cello, and bass – to the mix, and watch pianist Jeannie Yu bring these piano parts to life in scintillating fashion, while violinist David Perry will melt listeners with Clara’s opening Romance.
Opening night – sponsored by Midsummer Music’s board of directors and featuring special guest Norman Gilliland from Wisconsin Public Radio – is at 7:00pm on June 12 at Egg Harbor’s Kress Pavilion. The program is repeated twice: at 7:00pm on June 14 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Sister Bay; and at 4:00pm on June 15 at MUSE in Sturgeon Bay, sponsored by Sandy Zingler and featuring poet Kevin Hess.
In addition to Yu and Perry, musicians include violinist Ann Palen, violist Sally Chisholm, cellist Zou Zou Robidoux, and bassist Kris Saebo.
Tickets are $39.99 for adults, $19.99 for students, and children 12 and under are free with an adult. Premium prices apply for the opening night gala and other special events. Flex-packs of six tickets for the price of five tickets are also available. Order tickets at www.midsummersmusic.com or by phone at 920-854-7088.
A complete 2025 summer brochure can be downloaded at www.midsummersmusic.com.
Midsummer’s Music was co-founded in 1991 by Jim and Jean Berkenstock, long-time Door County summer residents and principal orchestral players with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. What began as two concerts among friends has become one of the Midwest’s most anticipated chamber music series, bringing thousands of chamber music enthusiasts from around the globe to the magical Door County Peninsula.
For more information visit www.midsummersmusic.com.
High-resolution photos can be downloaded at https://www.midsummersmusic.com/photos/.
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The Romantic Era of the Schumanns
Description: The Schumann’s intense love story centered around the piano. Both studied piano with her father, but he fought their eventual marriage. Friedrich Kalkbrenner was possibly the greatest pianist before Liszt. He moved in the same circles as the Schumanns. Jeannie Yu will bring these piano parts to life in a scintillating fashion while David Perry’s violin will melt you with Clara’s opening Romance.
Three Romances, Op. 22 – Clara Schumann
Sextet in G Major, Op. 58 – Friedrich Kalkbrenner
Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 44 – Robert Schumann
June 12, 7:00pm, Kress Pavilion, 7845 Church St., Egg Harbor, WI 54209
June 14, 7:00pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 2336 Canterbury Ln., Sister Bay, WI 54234
June 15, 4:00pm, MUSE, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Mozart and Dvořák
Two masterworks for strings by Mozart and Dvořák bookend this program. In between, both programmatically and historically, is Anton Reicha, a friend of Beethoven’s who was born the same year. An important musical influence in the 19th century, his brilliant Clarinet Quintet is a masterpiece and a wonderful showcase for the featured instrument.
Quintet No. 6 in E-flat Major, K. 614 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Quintet in B-flat Major, Op. 89 – Anton Reicha
String Sextet in A Major, Op. 48 – Antonin Dvořák
June 18, 7:00pm, Björklunden, 7590 Boynton Ln., Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
June 20, 7:00pm, Peninsula School of Art, 3900 County F, Fish Creek, WI 54212
June 22, 4:00pm, Kress Pavilion, 7845 Church St., Egg Harbor, WI 54209
June 25, 7:00pm, Woodwalk Gallery, 6746 County Rd. G, Egg Harbor, WI 54209
Mendelssohn Magic
Mendelssohn’s 2nd Piano Trio is unsurpassed. The way he weaves a Bach chorale melody into the final movement is spellbinding and worth the ticket price alone. Two other trios, each involving the flute of Heather Zinninger, set the stage. Undine Smith Moore’s Suite is hauntingly evocative, while Weber’s Flute Trio shows how much the Romantic Period is indebted to this German master.
Afro American Suite – Undine Smith Moore
Trio in G Minor, Op. 63 – Carl Maria von Weber
Trio No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 66 – Felix Mendelssohn
June 26, 7:00pm, UU Fellowship, 10341 Water St. HWY 42, Ephraim, WI 54211
June 27, 7:00pm, MUSE, 330 Jefferson St., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
June 28, 7:00pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 2336 Canterbury Ln., Sister Bay, WI 54234
July 1, 7:00pm, Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church, 11836 WI 42, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
Dvořák, Bruch, and Beethoven 7
Beethoven authorized his publisher to arrange his 7th Symphony for String Quintet. In an age when the symphony orchestra was relatively rare, a chamber arrangement improved the opportunity for sales. This intimate and profound glimpse into the heart of the work is revelatory. Dvořák’s Notturno and Bruch’s recently published Quintet provide provocative precursors for this concert of masterpieces.
Notturno in B Major, Op. 40 – Antonin Dvořák
Quintet in A Minor, Op. Posthumous – Max Bruch
Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92 [Steiner, arr.] – Ludwig van Beethoven
July 2, 7:00pm, Björklunden, 7590 Boynton Ln., Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
July 5, 7:00pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 2336 Canterbury Ln., Sister Bay, WI 54234
July 6, 4:00pm, Hope UCC, 141 S 12th Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
J.S. Bach and Händel – Orchestral and Vocal Baroque Magic
A sumptuous feast of Baroque music presented by stellar musicians! Soprano Molly Netter brings her gorgeous voice and blazing virtuosity to this program with both dramatic and comic elements. David Perry, violin; Heather Zinninger, flute; and Mark Schuldiner, harpsichord, also lead our strings in some of Bach’s most extraordinary instrumental works.
Orchestral Suite in B Minor, BWV 1067 – Johann Sebastian Bach
Schlumert ein from Ich habe genug, Cantata, BWV 82a – Johann Sebastian Bach
Un pensiero nemico di pace from Il trionfo del Tempo e della Verità – Georg Friedrich Händel
Ei! Wei schmeckt der Kaffee süße from Cantata, BWV 211 (Coffee Cantata) – Johann Sebastian Bach
Heute noch from Cantata, BWV 211 (Coffee Cantata) – Johann Sebastian Bach
Da tempeste il legno infranto from Guilio Cesare, HWV 17 – Georg Friedrich Händel
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major, BWV 1050 – Johann Sebastian Bach
July 9, 7:00pm, Woodwalk Gallery, 6746 County Rd. G, Egg Harbor, WI 54209
July 10, 7:00pm, Peninsula School of Art, 3900 County F, Fish Creek, WI 54212
July 12, 7:00pm, Björklunden, 7590 Boynton Ln., Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
July 13, 4:00pm, Kress Pavilion, 7845 Church St., Egg Harbor, WI 54209
Big Top Door County – 35th Anniversary Celebration
Join Midsummer’s Music for an unforgettable afternoon of music, artistry, and celebration under a grand white Big Top at the picturesque Berkenfeld Estate in Baileys Harbor. Enjoy refreshing beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and a lively program featuring Eric Lewis, George Meyer, Kris Saebo, the Griffon String Quartet, and the Strings of Midsummer’s Music, all led by violinist David Perry. From Mozart to bluegrass and the poignant Ashokan Farewell, this event promises a rich variety of musical brilliance. Adding to the excitement, the Musical Chairs auction returns, showcasing hand-painted, music-inspired chairs crafted by talented Door County artists. Bid on these unique creations in a spirited live auction under the Big Top! Following the performance, indulge in a delicious catered meal, rounding out a perfect Door County afternoon where music, art, and community come together. Reservations are required.
July 16, at 3:00pm, Berkenfeld Estate, 9397 Summach Rd., Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
The Language of Love – French Piano Trios
These three late Romantic Trios are steeped in “Amour.” Beginning with a work entitled “Romance Without Words,” we proceed to the voluptuous works of Lalo (famous for his Symphonie Espagnole) and Ernest Chausson. If you can, bring someone you like to hold hands with.
Appassionato, Romance sans paroles – Félix Fourdrain
Trio No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 26 – Édouard Lalo
Trio in G Minor, Op. 3 – Ernest Chausson
July 19, 7:00pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 2336 Canterbury Ln., Sister Bay, WI 54234
July 20, 4:00pm, Hope UCC, 141 12th Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
July 25, 7:00pm, UU Fellowship, 10341 Water St. HWY 42, Ephraim, WI 54211
July 26, 7:00pm, Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church, 11836 WI 42, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
Octet Excitement – David Perry Leads the Strings of Midsummer’s Music and the Griffon String Quartet
The forces of the superb Griffon String Quartet and the Strings of Midsummer join forces under the guidance and example of violinist David Perry in two stunning Octets. The orchestral aura of these two works is enhanced by the unique presence of the double bass. The program begins with the haunting Chaconne by Penderecki in memory of Pope John Paul II written shortly after his death.
Ciaccona in Memoriam Giovanni Paolo II (2005) – Krzysztof Penderecki
Octet in E Major, Op. 23 – Carl Schuberth
Octet in B-flat Major, Op. Posthumous – Max Bruch
July 27, 4:00pm, Kress Pavilion, 7845 Church St., Egg Harbor, WI 54209
July 30, 7:00pm, Sister Bay Moravian Church, 10924 Old Stage Rd., Sister Bay, WI 54234
August 1, 7:00pm, MUSE, 330 Jefferson St., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
August 2, 7:00pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 2336 Canterbury Ln., Sister Bay, WI 54234
César Franck Piano Quintet
Pick the five greatest Piano Quintets in the literature and Franck’s has to be among them. Saint-Saëns was the pianist at the premiere. Here is an opportunity to hear Jeannie Yu in her favorite repertoire. Flutist Heather Zinninger returns to perform Amy Beach’s colorful and evocative Theme and Variations with strings. This program will close our season at our annual Labor Day Gala at Björklunden. A special and celebratory afternoon indeed!
Theme and Variations in A Minor, Op. 80 – Amy Marcy Beach
Quintet in F Minor – César Franck
August 24, 4:00pm, Hope UCC, 141 S 12th Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
August 27, 7:00pm, Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church, 11836 WI 42, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
September 1, 3:00pm, 7590 Boynton Ln., Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
The Majesty of Schubert’s Octet
Schubert’s Octet was inspired by Beethoven’s Septet, which was immensely popular. Schubert adds a second violin to the ensemble. It is his chamber music answer to the Great C-Major Symphony—a masterpiece of immense proportions. Gernot Wolfgang joins us to introduce his “Impressions,” which are suggestive of imaginary paintings, “Carnival of Venice,” “Dream,” and “Country Road.” Wolfgang, a Grammy-nominated composer, also uses the same instrumentation – clarinet, bassoon, horn, violins, viola, cello, and bass – as the Beethoven Septet in his energetic, novel, and delightful addition to this illustrious repertoire.
Impressions (2002) – Gernot Wolfgang
Octet in F Major, D. 803 – Franz Schubert
August 28, 7:00pm, Björklunden, 7590 Boynton Ln., Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
August 29, 7:00pm, MUSE, 330 Jefferson St., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
August 30, 3:00pm, The Clearing Folk School Schoolhouse, 12103 Garrett Bay Rd., Ellison Bay, WI 54210
August 31, 4:00pm, Kress Pavilion 7845 Church St., Egg Harbor, WI 54209