Virtual or not, Midsummer’s Music and its ensemble group, the Griffon String Quartet, is helping students get in touch with music. The Griffon String Quartet recently received funding to help continue its work with Sturgeon Bay and Green Bay youth to introduce them to string instruments. The ensemble has had to adjust to the pandemic like others in the arts by taking their events and private lessons to the virtual space. Funded by the Fine Arts Institute and Mosaic Arts, Midsummer’s Music Executive Director Allyson Fleck says its most recent “We’re All In” grant will help with its efforts to mentor over 100 orchestra students at Washington Middle School in Green Bay. The school has made headlines for the wrong reasons in recent years, something Fleck hopes they can help change.
The Griffon String Quartet also announced last week its 2020-2021 season, which include virtual performances on November 15th and December 20th. It will also partner with Door County Reads this February. You can read more about the upcoming season below.
Four live-streamed programs, which can be accessed at www.midsummersmusic.com, will be scheduled throughout the 2020-2021 school year, starting with a presentation at 3:00 pm (CT) on November 15. This first program of the season will include Mozart’s Divertimento K.563 and Dohnányi’s Serenade in C Major, Op. 10. The December 20 program at 3:00 pm (CT) will include various works from the Griffon’s classical repertoire plus holiday favorites. Additional offerings in December will include the distribution of holiday-themed virtual greetings and performances to partner organizations, students, donors, schools, and communities throughout northeast Wisconsin.
The Griffon will perform for the Door County Reads’ “Big Read” event in February, spotlighting music from the time of Shakespeare. Door County Reads is a winter program that encourages the community to read and discuss a book while celebrating it with theatrical and musical performances, writing workshops, lectures and other events related to the book and its culture.
