Dear Midsummer’s Music friend,
During our winters at home in Indiana, we enjoy paging through the Midsummer’s Music program booklet from last summer. From here, with a perspective of both distance and time, I reflect on the work, planning, and cost which lie behind these friendly little books and the 45 concerts a year which they describe. I am now seeing what I took for granted at concerts. I am seeing the huge and complex task of bringing together music, musicians, locations, schedules, and finance, plus doing this for the Griffon String Quartet as well.
So, this is a message about gratitude: it is also a message about how those of us who love Midsummer’s Music can turn our gratitude into action with financial support. Thanks to the vision of Jim and Jean Berkenstock over 35 years ago, we are enjoying, to use the words of our mission statement, “dynamic, distinctive, and engaging performances” of extraordinary chamber music. We share gratitude for Allyson, the staff, the incredible musicians, Gracenotes volunteers, and the dedicated board of directors.
In the business world, taking measured risks is necessary for sustaining good returns. At a time when interest in classical music was regrettably declining, Midsummer’s Music took the risk of reversing that through the creation of its affiliate, the Griffon String Quartet, which has reached out with over 100 concerts every year in schools, assisted living facilities, and other locations to acquaint diverse audiences with the joy of good music. That fact speaks especially loudly to Joan and me. In gratitude and appreciation, it is a privilege to financially support Midsummer’s Music and the Griffon String Quartet—and to express thanks to those who provide financial support year after year.
As you are aware, there are easy ways to provide this support, all with favorable tax consequences: gifting appreciated stock, utilizing our IRAs, or donor-advised funds through our respective community foundations, and, of course, providing cash gifts, which can also reduce the after-tax cost of contributing.
Several years ago, while serving as chair of a university foundation, I worked with a senior development officer who always reminded me: “Don’t give until it hurts; Give until you feel happy.” When we give in gratitude to Midsummer’s Music, it makes the Andersons feel happy!
Please join us and feel happy!
Steve Anderson
$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!