Ephraim, Wis. (April 23, 2025) – The Peninsula Music Festival (PMF) returns to the Door Community Auditorium in Fish Creek, Door County this August 5-23. The 73rd PMF concert season is guaranteed to dazzle newcomers and seasoned music lovers alike. From iconic symphonies and world-renowned soloists to thrilling cinematic scores and groundbreaking percussion, each concert promises a powerful blend of artistry, emotion, and musical storytelling. Under the baton of Maestro Rune Bergmann and featuring guest artists from around the globe, the PMF’s 2025 season is set to be one of the most unforgettable yet.
“This festival is truly a rare gem—where top-tier artists, loyal audiences, and the incredible beauty of Door County all come together in perfect harmony,” says PMF Executive Director Lisa Harper. “This season is one of our most ambitious and exciting yet, and we can’t wait to share it with you.”
The Peninsula Music Festival has been a thriving piece of the Door County arts scene since 1953. Each August, world-class musicians from across the globe gather for nine incredible concerts in the heart of Fish Creek, drawing enthusiastic audiences from around the Midwest and beyond. From timeless masterpieces to bold new voices, PMF’s mission is to bring exceptional orchestral experiences to one of the most beautiful corners of the country.
“There is a special energy at the Peninsula Music Festival—you can feel it in every rehearsal, every note, every audience member,” adds Maestro Rune Bergmann. “This season is a celebration of powerful stories told through music, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.”
2025 SEASON OVERVIEW
Tuesday, August 5: American Dream
Celebrate the musical heart of America with works by Copland, Gershwin, Rachmaninoff, and Sousa. Featuring Grammy-nominated pianist Joyce Yang, this promises to be an unforgettable evening of sweeping cinematic scores, dazzling piano fireworks, and lively rhythms in a concert that captures the essence of America’s musical legacy.
Thursday, August 7: Scandinavian Evening
Immerse yourself in the rich musical landscapes of Scandinavia with an evening of passion, power, and breathtaking beauty. Featuring the return of Grammy-nominated pianist Joyce Yang, this electrifying program includes music by Grieg, Sibelius, and Nielsen.
Saturday, August 9: The Drama of Brahms & Schumann
Experience an evening of the emotional depth and passionate intensity of 19th-century German Romanticism. Featuring internationally acclaimed cellist Luka Coetzee, this emotionally charged program brings together the luminous brilliance of Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, the poetic depth of Robert Schumann, and the raw power of Johannes Brahms.
Tuesday, August 12: Startles and Sonatas
A showcase of emerging talent as Stefano Boccacci and Ezra Calvino —recipients of the Karen Smuda Emerging Conductor Scholarship— bring to life the timeless brilliance of the Classical and early Romantic eras in a captivating evening showcasing masterworks by Haydn and Schubert.
Thursday, August 14: A Night at the Movies – Heroes
An exhilarating night of cinematic music featuring iconic scores from Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Schindler’s List, Our Planet, and more—led by Maestro Bergmann and featuring the return of Stefano Boccacci and Ezra Calvino. Together they will bring together sweeping drama, heart-pounding action, and unforgettable melodies, showing us the powerful connection between music and storytelling on the silver screen.
Saturday, August 16: A Night in Vienna
Featuring two extraordinary string soloists, violinists Dennis Kim and Joan DerHovsepian, step into the elegance and grandeur of Vienna with a captivating evening of musical brilliance featuring works by Mozart and Beethoven.
Tuesday, August 19: Percussion Party
Experience the extraordinary in an unforgettable evening showcasing the revolutionary talent of Dame Evelyn Glennie, the world’s first and foremost solo percussionist. This remarkable program explores the power of rhythm, the depth of human expression, and the limitless possibilities of percussion, featuring works by Vincent Ho and Dmitri Shostakovich in a concert unlike any other.
Thursday, August 21: The New World
Phenomenal young cellist Sterling Elliott, one of classical music’s most exciting rising stars, pulls us into a world of passion, power, and musical storytelling in this incredible evening featuring Dvořák’s masterful Cello Concerto and the iconic Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.”
Saturday, August 23: Mahler Symphony No. 2
The season comes to a breathtaking close with one of the most powerful and transcendent works in orchestral music—Mahler’s Symphony No. 2. This monumental masterpiece is brought to life by the Festival Orchestra, the Apollo Chorus of Chicago, and world-class vocal soloists Jacquelyn Wagner (soprano) and Abigail Nims (mezzo-soprano).
To secure your tickets to these remarkable performances or for full concert details, visit www.musicfestival.com
About Peninsula Music Festival: The Peninsula Music Festival is dedicated to bringing exceptional classical music performances to the community. Now in its 73nd season, the festival continues to attract world-class musicians and enthusiastic audiences from around the region and beyond.
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