Door County, Wis. (May 12, 2026) — The Peninsula Music Festival (PMF) will welcome internationally acclaimed, two-time Grammy Award-winning violinist James Ehnes for two highly anticipated performances to open its 2026 summer season, August 4–22 at Door Community Auditorium. Ehnes, widely regarded as one of the most celebrated violinists of his generation, will appear on both opening night and again on Thursday of the festival’s first week, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience his artistry in two distinct and compelling programs.
The festival opens on Tuesday, August 4 at 7:30 PM with American Masterworks, a high-energy, all-American program that showcases the breadth and vitality of the orchestral tradition. The evening features Leonard Bernstein’s Three Dance Episodes from On the Town, Joan Tower’s Tambor, and Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto, with Ehnes as soloist, followed by a rousing finale of Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever.
Ehnes will return on Thursday, August 6 at 7:30 PM for String Serenades, a contrasting program of lush, romantic repertoire. In this performance, he takes on a rare “play/lead” role—serving as both soloist and conductor—guiding the orchestra directly from his violin. The program includes Elgar’s Serenade for Strings, Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4, and Dvořák’s beloved Serenade for Strings.
“James Ehnes is truly one of the great artists of our time, and it’s incredibly meaningful to welcome him back to the Peninsula Music Festival,” said Lisa Harper, President of the Peninsula Music Festival. “He has a special history with our organization, and to have him open the season—and return for a second performance—is something very special for our audience and our community.”
Ehnes, who performs on the legendary 1715 “Marsick” Stradivarius, has built an international reputation for his technical brilliance and expressive depth. A frequent guest with the world’s leading orchestras, he has received two Grammy Awards, three Gramophone Awards, and twelve Juno Awards—the most of any classical musician.
“It is a rare treat for audiences to experience such an intimate performance with a musician of James Ehnes’s caliber,” said Rune Bergmann, Music Director and Conductor of the Peninsula Music Festival. “In both of these programs, audiences will get to experience the full range of his artistry—from the power and intensity of the Barber concerto to the intimate connection of leading the orchestra from the violin. These are performances that will stay with you long after the final note.”
Ehnes’s return also reflects a longstanding connection with the Peninsula Music Festival, having performed with the orchestra earlier in his career. Now, at the height of his international success, his appearance offers audiences a rare chance to experience a world-class artist in an intimate setting.
Joan DerHovsepian, Principal Viola of the Peninsula Music Festival and Principal Viola of the Houston Symphony, has performed with Ehnes at PMF, with the Houston Symphony, and at the Seattle Chamber Music Festival.
“James Ehnes is a luminary who plays with the top orchestras on the great stages of the world,” said DerHovsepian. “To hear him in Door County, alongside our festival orchestra, is a most thrilling start for this PMF season! James’ quality shines through on and off stage. He’s a favorite of our players and has been embraced by the DC community since his first performances with PMF years ago. These are concerts not to be missed.”
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 Community 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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