This concert promises to be a compelling journey through the evolution of chamber music—where tradition meets innovation, and classical inspiration gives rise to contemporary expression.
A timeless masterwork meets a fresh, contemporary voice in an exciting chamber music program featuring Franz Schubert’s Octet in F Major and Gernot Wolfgang’s Impressions. This unique concert bridges eras and styles, showcasing two works that share a connection to Beethoven’s beloved Septet—one of the most influential pieces of early 19th century chamber music.
Schubert’s Octet, inspired by the popularity of Beethoven’s Septet, expands the original ensemble by adding a second violin, creating a richly textured soundscape that some consider his chamber music response to the grandeur of his great C-Major Symphony. The result is a work of both expansive beauty and intricate interplay among the eight instruments.
Joining the program is composer Gernot Wolfgang, a Grammy nominee known for his genre-blending, imaginative style. In Impressions, Wolfgang reimagines the Septet instrumentation with a modern voice. Each movement – Carnival of Venice, Dream, and Country Road – is inspired by an imaginary painting, resulting in music that is colorful, vivid, and evocative. His energetic, novel approach brings new vitality to this classic ensemble format.
This concert promises to be a compelling journey through the evolution of chamber music—where tradition meets innovation, and classical inspiration gives rise to contemporary expression.
The ensemble features an outstanding lineup of musicians, including Alicia Lee (clarinet), Judith Farmer (bassoon), Fritz Foss (horn), David Perry and Ann Palen (violins), Sally Chisholm (viola), Cole Randolph (cello), and Kris Saebo (bass).
Concert Schedule:
August 28 at 7:00 pm
Björklunden, Baileys Harbor
Sponsored by Arlene Johnson and Chris Weidenbacher
August 29 at 7:00 pm
MUSE, Sturgeon Bay
Sponsored by the Nancy T. & David A. Borghesi Fund of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
August 30 at 3:00 pm
The Clearing Folk School – Schoolhouse, Ellison Bay
Sponsored by Michael Elkow
August 31, 4:00 pm
Kress Pavilion, Egg Harbor
Sponsored by Peter & Beverly Ann Conroy
Tickets are $39.99 for adults, $19.99 for students, and children 12 and under are free with an adult. Flex-packs of six tickets for the price of five tickets are also available and cannot be used for special events. 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 – Gernot Wolfgang (credit gernotwolfang.com): https://www.midsummersmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/gernot-wolfgang.jpg
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For Calendar Listings:
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.
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