The Door County arts scene jumps into full swing on June 10 as Midsummer’s Music Festival presents the 21st season of outstanding classical/chamber music in 16 intimate venues throughout the Door peninsula.

The prelude and finales to our summer festival features one of the worlds’ distinguished string quartets, the Pro Arte Quartet on Wednesday, May 11 and Saturday, October 1 at the Ephraim Moravian Church. The Quartet violinist David Perry, violist Sally Chisholm (both part of Midsummer’s ensemble), violinist Suzanne Beia, and cellist Parry Karp. The quartet promotes an exciting balance of old and new repertoire, seeking opportunities to commission and premiere works of living composers in a variety of contemporary styles. For more information, visit their page on our website at: Pro Arte Quartet.

Opening night begins at Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Egg Harbor on Friday, June 10 with a Champagne Toast to celebrate our 21st season. You’ll enjoy the music of Hahn, Durufle, Karg-Elert, and Faure in the wonderful acoustics of Juniper Hall.

Midsummer’s Music has added two new venues to the festival this summer. The first is the Sister Bay Historical Society’s “Corner of the Past” on Saturday, June 18 at 7:30 PM. You’ll absolutely love this venue! Our musicians will be surrounded by antiques in the historic barn. Arrive early and tour the Old Anderson House Museum, granary, machine shop, two log cabins, migrant worker’s cabin, summer kitchen, and sawmill and blacksmith’s barn. Imagine hearing the music of Kennan, Hofmann, Grieg, and Svendsen in this historic setting!

Fish Creek‘s Whistling Swan Restaurant on June 30 is the second new addition to our festival. The evening begins at 6:00 PM with wine and hors d’oeuvres at the Whistling Swan. This is a great opportunity to meet and mix with fellow music lovers before a short stroll to the quaint Fish Creek Village Hall for the Midsummer’s concert at 7:00. After the concert we’ll head back to the Whistling Swan for an elegant dinner. For those who are unable to attend the reception and dinner at the Whistling Swan,  join us at the Fish Creek Village Hall for the concert only, starting at 7:00.

Ever since last summer we’ve had people asking us, “Are you going back to Rock Island? It was such a fun event!”  How could we say no? We couldn’t! Our return trip to Rock Island is on Tuesday, July 5. We’ll depart from Gills Rock at 4:00 on the Island Clipper and enjoy wine and a catered dinner by Alexander’s on the cruise to Rock Island. The concert will be held in majestic Viking Hall. The return cruise features desserts and champagne. Wow! The event sold out quickly last year so reserve early!

Of course, we are returning to our favorite venues such as Bjorklunden, the Hardy Gallery, the Woodwalk Gallery, Shepherd of the Bay, Ephraim Moravian Church, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, and The Clearing. We have three concerts in beautiful homes including the Burgess residence in Green Bay, the Janning residence in Sturgeon Bay, and the Dresselhuys residence in Fish Creek. In addition, there will be a concert in the barn at Maronek’s Silver Poplar Studios in Ellison Bay.

More details will follow about the wonderful programs. In the meantime, reservations can be made online at Midsummer’s Music or by calling 920-854-7088.