Dear Midsummer’s Music friend,
I often get asked, “When you started Midsummer’s Music nearly 35 years ago, did you dream that it would grow into what it is today?” The short answer is no. But what we quickly saw was that it had a profound impact on many people. Carefully nurturing that impact over the years is what has led us to where we are now.
We performed five concerts that first year in less than a week. Now, 35 years later, we are presenting about 40 concerts a season. As considerable as that is, it represents a very incremental and responsible growth of only about one concert a year. That is, until we added the Griffon String Quartet in 2018 to fill in the rest of the year and to reach out to all of northeastern Wisconsin! The addition has been a game changer because we are now reaching into every corner of our society and every demographic niche with over 150 presentations year-round.
Can you see why I am writing to you now to ask for your financial support?
Actually, NOW is an important word. Do you know that about 75% of our donated income comes in during our end-of-year solicitation? This super critical time not only allows us to pay our bills and close out a very successful year, but also allows us to plan for the coming season with confidence, and our planning is already well under way.
However, this year is special because it marks our 35th anniversary for Midsummer’s Music, and we want it to be extra special.
While we are not quite ready to announce the details, our celebration will spotlight stars like David Perry, Jeannie Yu, Eric Lewis, and so many more that you have become close to. But it will also concentrate on that special element Midsummer’s Music element excels at—it will be intimate, touching, profound, entertaining, revealing, and indispensable, maybe even life-changing, as some of you have told me.
Sitting in the audience, I often see couples look at each other, smile, and then hold hands. I see them wipe a tear from their eyes, and I know we must be doing something right. I also know it because I have done those same things myself. Even the musicians are a part of the magic and are touched too—they aren’t immune to the power of what they are experiencing as they produce it.
All of that is why I continue to try to do my part behind the scenes and even with my own financial commitment. I want to see the legacy continue that my wife, Jean, worked so hard to develop and nurture. I want that legacy, that we all cherish so much and continue to support, grow and reach more and more.
But it’s more than that. If you saw the effect the Griffon has on dementia patients when they hear them play – the light that comes on and the smiles – you would get out your checkbook immediately. If you were to see the students in their lessons, with Roy or Oryann, you would polish off your credit card. If you saw how animated the kids at Boys & Girls Club become when the Griffon enters the room, if you saw the elation that customers in front of the Deli at the Pig exhibit when, to their disbelief, the Griffon starts caroling them at Christmastime, your heart would swell with pride. This is your doing, your group, your legacy. It is music having an impact and enriching lives from the inside out and in corners of the community that sometimes are forgotten.
Thank you for being a part of this and making it possible. Every gift counts, and NOW is the best of all times. You all mean so much to us, and we wish you the warmest of holidays.
Yours truly,
James T. Berkenstock
President/Artistic Director
$5,000 Sponsor a series
$2,500 Sponsor a musician
$1,000 Sponsor a concert
$500 Join the 88 Key Society
Every gift is important—Every gift counts.
Thank you for being such a good friend to Midsummer’s Music and the Griffon String Quartet
