Door County, Wis. (June 12, 2026) — From Harry Potter to Lincoln, Schindler’s List to Olympic Spirit, the music of John Williams has become woven into the emotional fabric of modern life. On Tuesday, August 11 at 7:30 PM, led by acclaimed conductor Bob Bernhardt, the Peninsula Music Festival will celebrate the legendary composer with Wizardry and Wonder: The Music of John Williams at Door County Auditorium in Fish Creek.
This special performance will transform the concert hall into an experience filled with soaring movie themes, sweeping orchestral storytelling, and the unforgettable magic of live symphonic music.
Lisa Harper, President of the Peninsula Music Festival, said, “Even if someone has never attended a symphony performance before, they already know and love this music. These scores are part of our lives, and hearing them performed live by a full orchestra is an experience unlike anything else.”
Bernhardt is widely regarded as one of America’s leading pops conductors and has spent more than four decades bringing film music and popular orchestral works to audiences around the country. Currently in his 45th season with the Louisville Orchestra, where he has served as Principal Pops Conductor since 1997, Bernhardt made his Boston Pops debut in 1992 at the personal invitation of John Williams himself.
“Bob Bernhardt is one of the great champions of orchestral pops programming,” said Rune Bergmann, Music Director and Conductor of the Peninsula Music Festival. “He understands how to make this music leap off the stage with energy, emotion, and joy. John Williams’ scores are extraordinarily sophisticated compositions, and under Bob’s direction, audiences will experience both the excitement of the films they know and the brilliance of the orchestra behind them. The Harry Potter music is especially exciting because it creates an opportunity for families to experience a live orchestra together. Many young people already love these themes, and hearing them performed live can be the beginning of a lifelong connection to music.”
The evening’s first half, titled The Soul of a Legend, explores the emotional depth and versatility of Williams’ work through selections from War Horse, Lincoln, The Book Thief, Schindler’s List, Far and Away, and more — including the instantly recognizable NBC News theme, The Mission.
The second half transports audiences directly into the wizarding world of Harry Potter through an extensive suite of music from the first three films, including Hedwig’s Theme, Aunt Marge’s Waltz, The Knight Bus, and Fawkes the Phoenix.
While John Williams is often associated with blockbuster franchises like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Jurassic Park, Wizardry and Wonder offers audiences the opportunity to experience the full breadth of his artistry — from intimate emotional storytelling to massive cinematic spectacle.
“This concert has something for everyone,” Harper said. “When we programmed the music of Harry Potter, we hoped it would be an opportunity for families to experience the orchestra together. Whether you’re introducing a child to their first symphony concert or sharing music you love with the next generation, this is a performance designed to create lasting memories.”
The 2026 Peninsula Music Festival season features nine concerts from August 4 through August 22, bringing together internationally renowned soloists, celebrated conductors, and the festival’s professional orchestra for a dynamic summer of music in Door County.
Tickets are on sale now at musicfestival.com.
TICKETS & INFORMATION
All performances take place at Door County Auditorium in Fish Creek as part of the nine-concert Peninsula Music Festival happening August 4–22, 2026. Tickets are available now at www.musicfestival.com or by calling the Peninsula Music Festival box office at (920) 854-4060.
About the Peninsula Music Festival
The Peninsula Music Festival is dedicated to bringing exceptional classical music performances to the community. Now in its 74th season, the festival continues to attract world-class musicians and enthusiastic audiences from around the region and beyond. Founded in 1953, the Peninsula Music Festival is one of the Midwest’s most treasured classical music traditions.
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