More than 200 people were in attendance at the first public event ever held at the Ellison Bay Estate on July 17, 2013.

They enjoyed a complete, guided tour of the largest home in the state of Wisconsin followed by a fantastic chamber music concert performed by members of Door County’s Midsummer’s Music Festival and then, celebrated their work with a tremendous array of wine and delicious hors d’ ouvres.

“As word got out about the July concert, our phones began ringing off the hook and the event was quickly sold out,” says Jim Berkenstock, festival co-founder. “Fortunately, the estate’s owners are very generous and have offered to host another concert there during the Labor Day Weekend.”

On Monday, September 2 at 3 pm, Midsummer’s Music Festival will present one more opportunity to enjoy intimate chamber music in the opulent setting of this stunning bluff side mansion overlooking the waters of Green Bay. Here’s a chance for the many people who were disappointed at not being able to attend the previous sold-out event, as the festival pairs with United Way of Door County in a joint benefit concert.

“This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, to hear exquisite music in such a wonderful setting,” says Amy Kohnle, Executive Director of United Way of Door County. “We are especially excited to be part of an event in northern Door. Over a third of the services we deliver with the help of our strategic partners are provided to residents of northern Door County. This is a great example of an arts organization and a human services organization working together to benefit the county.”

The Labor Day concert will be performed in the estate’s two-story, Grand Parlor, adorned with extensive stone terraces, carved balustrades, a massive fireplace with a hand-carved mantle and romantic balconies that overlook the main floor. Entitled “Grand Eloquence,” the concert will feature David Perry, Violin; Stephanie Preucil, Violin; Sally Chisholm, Viola; Walter Preucil, Cello; and Jeannie Yu, Piano. Their repertoire will consist of:

• Gustav Mahler’s Quartet Movement in A Minor for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Piano;
• Paul Schoenfield’s Café Music for Violin, Cello and Piano and
• César Franck’s Quintet in F Minor for Two Violins, Viola, Cello and Piano.

Guests will be chauffeured inside the gates of the estate by Door County Trolley shuttles, connecting them with ample parking at Shepherd of the Bay church. From the main entrance featuring a grand staircase inspired by Gone with the Wind, they will enjoy a complete guided tour beginning with refreshments and a visit to the mansion’s elegant theater for a brief introduction and film on the creation of the 35,000 square-foot Ellison Bay Estate. In total the residence has three grand guest suites, ten bathrooms, and a massive 5,000 square foot master suite. It also features a two-story library designed in the style of Vanderbilt Mansion, sitting rooms and an entire wing dedicated to a pool and spa including tropical plants a floor made of Jerusalem Quarry Stone, and several waterfalls including one connecting to a 14-person whirlpool.

“I would suggest you book your tickets early,” says Berkenstock. “There is a lot of interest in seeing what some have referred to as the ‘Downton Abbey’ of Door County.”

This wonderful afternoon will be capped off with an opportunity to meet the performing artists and enjoy a selection of fine wine and delicious taste treats created by Top Shelf Café and Gourmet. Tickets are $150 per person and may be purchased by contacting Midsummer’s Music Festival at 920.854.7088 or online. You can get a glimpse of the estate at EllisonBayManor.com.