CULTURE CLUB: The Sound of Surprises

By Door County Pulse, Peninsula Pulse — October 9th, 2025

by LISA HARPER
Peninsula Music Festival Executive Director

The Peninsula Music Festival’s (PMF) magic is twofold – a tapestry of rich history and bright future, woven with wonderful surprises.

In 1953, Door County residents Marcia Larsen, Alice Spooner, Kay Wilson, Petie Wilson and others,, along with Thor Johnson and Lorenz Heise, envisioned bringing classical music to the peninsula. They formed the PMF Sustaining Committee (PMFSC), quickly raised $10,000, and the performances began.

Each August for many years, patrons were treated to beautiful chamber music conducted by Johnson and other talented musicians. Patrons perched on folding chairs in the unairconditioned Gibraltar school gymnasium to enjoy the performances with their families and friends.