By Beverly Ann Conroy
I just came from the final performance of the Midsummer’s Music summer festival – a splendid gala at Björklunden that was so delightful – and I couldn’t wait to tell you about it! The bittersweet Ashokan Farewell was followed by a bubbly Martinů Serenade and the most infectious quartet of four violins by Ignaz Lachner – pure Viennese Sacher Torte. So delicious! Then the Mendelssohn Octet – utterly brilliant!
As a member of the Midsummer’s Music board, I am thrilled with the world-class quality of the music and the terrifically enjoyable events we produce. It makes the summer in Door County truly sparkle. But I don’t think I have to tell you what you already know.
What I do perhaps need to tell you is how much we need your help and support. Like all such arts organizations, we rely heavily on contributions, since over 75% of our income comes from donors like you. We have kept our ticket prices low to attract new and younger audiences, and we are really succeeding. Our attendance continues to set records each year.
However, I recently heard our need for gifts put in a different perspective. If we were only to be financed by ticket sales, we would have to sell 252 tickets to each and every concert! You know what that means. Not a single venue we play in would be able to squeeze us in. Midsummer’s Music would have to change into something entirely unrecognizable. Gone would be the intimacy that is synonymous with Midsummer’s Music. That palpable connection with the musicians would be gone, and the receptions would be like food courts! We can’t go in that direction. We must raise the necessary funds to continue this treasure the way we cherish it – world-class music up close and personal.
Our gala was a big success in every way and helped raise some of those funds, but we need your support as well. Right now is a great time to make an important and timely gift because this is when the bills come in from our fabulous season.
Your gift is tax-deductible, and you will be recognized in our program as a stellar member of our support team. But even better, you will be ensuring a healthy Midsummer’s Music and a special 30th anniversary season next year. Thank you for joining me with a special gift. Click here to donate.
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