A History of Classical Music in Door County: 70+ Years of the Peninsula Music Festival
Door County is a popular year-round arts destination, especially in the summer when the peninsula transforms into a bustling crossroads of music and arts situated along two beautiful shores. The creativity, collaborations, and celebrations that occur are rooted in a legacy built by passionate and generous supporters of the arts in our community. For 74 years the Peninsula Music Festival (PMF) has played a major role in providing world-class classical chamber and symphonic musical performances in Door County. Through these years, the PMF has evolved from a chamber orchestra to a world-class symphony orchestra, from performances in the Gibraltar gymnasium to the Door Community Auditorium, and came to life under the baton of famous conductors Thor Johnson, Victor Yampolsky, and now, internationally acclaimed conductor Rune Bergmann. Learn More Here!
The Founding Vision and Early Years (1951–1975)
The founding women of Peninsula Music Festival
The founding leaders of the PMF paved the way for the festival to thrive. Fundraising leading up to the inaugural chamber orchestra performance on Thursday, August 6, 1953 was led by Mr. and Mrs. Lorenz Heise, Marcia Larsen, Kay Wilson, and Alice Spooner. The festival began under the direction of the legendary Thor Johnson who was born in Wisconsin Rapids. Johnson studied with Serge Koussevitszky at the same time as Leonard Bernstein and later became the director for the Grand Rapids Symphony in Michigan. In 1946 he joined the Juilliard School of Music faculty and also was appointed the director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for eleven years. Following this, Johnson became the director of Orchestral Activities at Northwestern University, as well as the director of Interlochen Arts Academy, and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and Youth Symphony (for eleven years). Thor Johnson’s years spent directing these major orchestras were marked with hundreds of premiered pieces of which he commissioned half. Along with this work, Johnson was committed to educating and training the next musicians which he was able to accomplish through his university positions as well as youth orchestras and academies and his time with PMF.
Growth, Leadership Changes, and Musical Expansion (1975–1985)
Thor Johnson
After the passing of Thor Johnson in 1975 the PMF had a period of change while searching for a music director to lead the festival orchestra that Thor had established in the county. Before Victor Yampolsky was appointed music director in 1985, the leadership of Michael Charry and Byron Hanson continued to bring the joy of classical music to the Door County music scene. Hanson coordinated guest conductors to attend and direct the festival until a full time music director was named.
From Chamber Orchestra to Symphony Experience (1985–2022)
Victor Yampolsky
1985 marks the year that Victor Yampolsky began his journey as the music director for the Peninsula Music Festival. Under his leadership, the chamber orchestra developed into a full symphony orchestra. This was made possible by a change in venue. Through efforts of supporters of the arts in Door County and Peninsula Music Festival attendees the Door Community Auditorium was completed in 1991 after fundraising, major contributions, and major efforts to pass the building in the referendum. With the stage being constructed to best suit symphonic music, all the seats provide an intimate feeling during performances with fantastic sound. With the expansion of the orchestra, the Peninsula Music Festival has musicians from all over the United States in major orchestras that spend their Augusts with us. Since 1998 some of the musicians continue to come back in February to fulfill our tradition of chamber music performances in Door County for our FebFest season. When they return in August, they gear up for nine performances in three weeks with all different classical music repertoire along with guest soloists. The Peninsula Music Festival became a staple tradition in many people's summer stays in Door County as a premier cultural event.
Door County’s Modern Legacy and Continued Tradition of Excellence
Rune Bergmann
When Victor Yampolsky retired as the Peninsula Music Festival’s music director before the 2022 season there began a search once again for a new director. The answer to the search was Rune Bergamann. Those who have met Rune or seen him on stage can attest to his vibrant personality and the influence it has on performances. Bergmann’s programming features our fantastic orchestra and brings in world-renowned soloists. This year James Ehnes (violin), Stewart Goodyear (piano), MIchelle Cann (piano), Michelle DeYoung (mezzo-soprano), the Apollo Chorus of Chicago, the Appleton Boychoir, are our guest artists. Peninsula Music Festival musicians Mark Hughes (trumpet), Leanna Renfro (english horn), and Michael Kroth (bassoon) will take the stage in Door County this August to continue the tradition of high-level classical music in our community. With our concerts featuring works from Mozart, Mahler, and John Williams’ Harry Potter there are selections for all to enjoy. Check out our performances this August 4th-22nd here!
Written by: Mya Ploor
