Chamber music masterworks come to life in an evening of octets and tribute.
Experience the combined brilliance of the acclaimed strings of Midsummer’s Music and the popular Griffon String Quartet as they unite under the inspiring leadership of violinist David Perry for four powerful concerts. This unique collaboration features two stunning String Octets, each enriched by the warm, orchestral depth of the double bass, lending an expansive sonic texture rarely heard in chamber performances.
Extraordinary evenings of chamber music await as the distinguished ensemble of string musicians presents a compelling program featuring Krzysztof Penderecki’s Ciaccona in Memoriam Giovanni Paolo II (2005), performed by two violins, two violas, and two cellos. This poignant tribute to Pope John Paul II opens a program rich with emotional depth and classical brilliance.
The evening continues with Carl Schuberth’s Octet in E Major, Op. 23, and Max Bruch’s rarely heard yet captivating Octet in B-flat Major, Op. Posthumous. Both works are scored for four violins, two violas, cello, and bass—offering a lush and dynamic soundscape.
The ensemble features acclaimed musicians David Perry, Roy Meyer, Alex Norris, and Ann Palen on violin; Allyson Fleck and Oryann Tsaig on viola; Mara McClain and Jesse Nummelin on cello; and Kris Saebo on bass—each bringing depth, virtuosity, and passion to this unique program. The Griffon String Quartet is an affiliate of Midsummer’s Music.
Concert Schedule:
July 27 at 4:00 pm
Kress Pavilion, Egg Harbor
Sponsored by Anne Egan in memory of Dick Egan
July 30 at 7:00 pm
Sister Bay Moravian Church
August 1 at 7:00 pm
MUSE, Sturgeon Bay
Sponsored by Cal & Barbara Lawton
August 2 at 7:00 pm
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Sister Bay
Tickets are $39.99 for adults, $19.99 for students, and children 12 and under are free with an adult. Premium prices apply for 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 photo (credit Midsummer’s Music): https://www.midsummersmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/img_0073-cmyk-cropped.jpg
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For Calendar Listings:
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
Coffee Talks
Coffee Talks are free, informal presentations on music themes by ensemble members, staff, and friends.
- Music and Revolution: 1789, 1848, 1917, with Dr. Peter Conroy
July 19, 1:00pm, UU Fellowship, 10341 Water St. HWY 42, Ephraim, WI 54211
- The Physics of Music—Without the Equations, with Dr. Elmer Lewis
August 30, 1:00pm, The Clearing Folk School – Schoolhouse, 12103 Garret Bay Rd., Ellison Bay, WI 54210