Door County, Wis. (August 20, 2025) – The Peninsula Music Festival’s (PMF) 73rd season reaches a breathtaking conclusion on Saturday, August 23 at 7:30 PM with one of the most powerful and transcendent works ever written—Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection.” Under the baton of Maestro Rune Bergmann, this monumental masterpiece will be brought to life by the PMF Orchestra, the Apollo Chorus of Chicago, and world-class vocal soloists Jacquelyn Wagner (soprano) and Abigail Nims (mezzo-soprano).
Mahler’s “Resurrection” is a symphonic journey unlike any other, moving from grief and struggle to redemption and blazing triumph. From its dramatic opening movement through the luminous “Urlicht” (Primal Light) and into a finale where orchestra, chorus, and soloists unite in a triumphant vision of rebirth and eternity, the work embraces the full spectrum of human emotion. With its massive orchestral forces, offstage brass, vocal soloists, and chorus, the “Resurrection” Symphony creates an immersive experience that has moved audiences to tears since its 1895 premiere.
“Mahler’s ‘Resurrection’ is one of the most demanding and awe-inspiring works ever written, and it requires every single musician on stage to give their all,” said Maestro Rune Bergmann. “What makes this performance so special is not just the piece itself, but the extraordinary caliber of the PMF Orchestra, the Apollo Chorus of Chicago, and our world-class soloists. Together, they will bring Mahler’s vision to life in a way that is deeply powerful and truly unforgettable.”
A highlight of this performance is the long-awaited return of the Apollo Chorus of Chicago, one of the nation’s most celebrated choral ensembles, appearing with PMF for the first time since 2012. Their signature richness and emotional depth will add extraordinary power to Mahler’s radiant choral passages.
Returning to PMF after her stunning appearance last season, soprano Jacquelyn Wagner brings her luminous voice and commanding presence. Praised by The New York Times for her “lovely clean and focused sound,” Wagner has graced the stages of the Paris Opera, Teatro alla Scala, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and the Salzburg Festival.
Joining her is acclaimed mezzo-soprano Abigail Nims, praised for her radiant tone, expressive artistry, and versatility across repertoire ranging from Monteverdi and Mozart to Crumb and Ligeti. She has performed with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra in works by Stravinsky, Haydn, and Crumb, and has appeared on opera stages with the Wexford Opera Festival, Atlanta Opera, Boston Baroque, and New York City Opera. A recipient of awards from the Fritz and Lavinia Jensen Foundation, Santa Fe Opera, and Yale School of Music, Nims brings emotional depth and glowing warmth to Mahler’s luminous lines in “Resurrection”, creating a powerful and soul-stirring blend with Wagner.
“This finale is everything the Peninsula Music Festival stands for—artistry, passion, and transformative music-making,” said Executive Director Lisa Harper. “To end our season with Mahler’s ‘Resurrection’—with this orchestra, these soloists, and the Apollo Chorus—is a rare and unforgettable gift to our audience.”
This concert is part of PMF’s 73rd season, running August 5–23, 2025, and featuring an extraordinary lineup of internationally renowned soloists, including pianists Fei-Fei Dong and Avery Gagliano, cellists Luka Coetzee and Sterling Elliott, percussion legend Dame Evelyn Glennie, soprano Jacquelyn Wagner, and the Apollo Chorus of Chicago.
TICKETS & INFORMATION
All performances take place at Door Community Auditorium in Fish Creek, WI. Tickets are available now at www.musicfestival.com or by calling the PMF Box Office at (920) 854-4060.
ABOUT PENINSULA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Now in its 73rd season, the Peninsula Music Festival is dedicated to bringing exceptional classical music performances to the Door County community. The festival continues to attract world-class musicians and enthusiastic audiences from around the region and beyond.
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