Sister Bay, Wis. (January 24, 2023) – Midsummer’s Music’s resident string quartet, the Griffon String Quartet, is now accepting applications for musicians to fill the positions of Violin II, Viola, and Cello.
In May 2022, Midsummer’s announced changes that were in store for the Griffon String Quartet, as some musicians planned to take the next steps in their blossoming careers. As with all musical ensembles – from quartets to symphonies – staffing changes are inevitable.
“I am happy to report that the final phase of the Griffon transition is in motion, now that we have opened the application process,” said violinist and founding Griffon member Roy Meyer. “For the past few months, we have relied upon talented guest professional musicians to play these important roles as we continued to present outstanding programming for all ages. I am extremely grateful for their dedication of time and their enthusiasm for the ensemble’s mission.”
As Griffon String Quartet members, musicians participate in the group’s programs throughout northeast Wisconsin: the Einstein Series of highly interactive programs for school-age children, including private or group lessons and educational outreach; the B Double Sharp program presenting miniconcerts for seniors and the disabled, especially targeting people with Alzheimer’s and dementia; and Community-Embedded programs that strengthen the musical infrastructure by demystifying chamber music and creating an experiential bridge from short presentations to full classical concerts.
Applications are being accepted online only at www.midsummersmusic.com. Requirements include recordings, a resume, and a personal statement. Applicants must demonstrate a passion for music education as well as performance. Highly qualified candidates may be invited for a two-week residency in northeast Wisconsin. The deadline for applying is March 15, 2023. The Griffon String Quartet season runs from September through May annually.
One of the most vibrant and engaging quartets of their generation, the Griffon String Quartet was formed in the fall of 2018 by Midsummer’s Music. The quartet is a groundbreaking project to enrich the lives of children and adults throughout northeast Wisconsin through concerts, workshops, and music education outreach. Extraordinary musicians who have been Griffon members have performed with orchestras and ensembles around the globe in the finest halls from Carnegie Hall and Brazil’s Teatro Municipal de São Paulo to Japan’s Suntory Hall, and won prestigious music competitions and awards. All are equally dedicated to music education and inspiring the next generation of music lovers. Members of the Griffon String Quartet have advanced degrees and significant professional experience, both as educators and performers, and the ensemble has been recognized for “their youthful vigor, which is absolutely infectious!”
Midsummer’s Music was co-founded in 1990 by Jim and Jean Berkenstock, long-time Door County summer residents and principal orchestral players with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. What began as two concerts among friends has become one of the Midwest’s most anticipated chamber music series, bringing thousands of chamber music enthusiasts from around the globe to the magical Door County Peninsula.