Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was born 150 years ago. We are celebrating this anniversary by playing one of his few chamber music works, Trio élégiaque No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 9, which contains the inscription, “In Memory of a Great Artist.” The “Great Artist” was his friend and mentor,… [Read More]

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]