Pairing well known composers with more obscure composers, composers of color, and women composers is a Midsummer’s Music hallmark. Midsummer’s Music is a leader among chamber music organizations in presenting works by lesser-known composers – especially composers of color and women composers – often alongside household names like Beethoven and… [Read More]

“Too long denied sufficient hearings, these three women present contrasting styles and convincingly moving musical statements, full of power and élan, demanding that they be heard.” A coveted text in any musicologist’s library is the Cobbett Cyclopedic Survey of Chamber Music. Thanks to MM artistic director Jim Berkenstock, I own… [Read More]

On the occasion of Rachmaninoff’s 150th birthday, Midsummer’s Music celebrates with his Trio élégiaque, dedicated to his mentor, Tchaikovsky, with the inscription, “In Memory of a Great Artist.” The “Great Artist” is represented on this program by his First String Quartet.   Midsummer’s Music, Wisconsin’s oldest summer chamber music series,… [Read More]

“Opening with a Flair!” the program book reads. Okay, Great! “But Bartók and Fauré?” you say? So, let me explain. I understand that putting those two composers on the same program may seem strange, but there is reason behind my madness, which I think you will appreciate when you hear… [Read More]

Often relegated to the sidelines while their male contemporaries basked in the limelight, women classical composers are now being recognized for their brilliance and significant contributions to the history of music. Midsummer’s Music is a leader among chamber music organizations in presenting works by lesser-known composers—especially composers of color and… [Read More]