Intern's Top 5 Picks!

A third summer? This intern must be crazy…About great music!

Hello all! Box office intern Alisa reporting. This blog marks my first report in Door County, AND my third summer with the Peninsula Music Festival! I just completed my fourth year of studies at St. Norbert College, in De Pere, and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music. I’m happy to report that I am one of the few graduates who gets to actually use their degree for their summer job – not to mention gets to be soaked in fantastic music for an entire month!

What are some things to look forward to this summer? (Other than my friendly self on the other side of the phone when you call the office, of course!) It’d be really easy to say “the entire season!” because it’s going to be a fantastic one, but here’s my personal list of Top 5 things not to miss this summer!

1 Festival Opening

a.     Of course, the Opening is ALWAYS exciting, it’s kind of like the 1^st of the 12 days of Christmas, right? But this concert in particular features “Symphonic Dances” by Grieg, who is one of my all-time favorite composers. He wrote in the Late Romantic Era, and a lot of his music has simple melodies, that are deceptively difficult to play. “Symphonic Dances” is sure to be as fun for the orchestra to play as it will be for us to listen to!

2 Saturday, August 11^th

a.     This concert has both “Rhapsody in Blue” AND “Appalachian Spring” – two very “user friendly” pieces, featuring highly recognizable melodies. For those of you who really liked the “From Broadway to Hollywood” concert last year, or who are looking for a start to orchestra concerts, this concert is singing your tune! Plus, starting earlier at 6:30pm, this makes a great concert for the whole family!

3 Thursday, August 16^th

a.     “The Planets” by Gustav Holst is one of the most beloved orchestral pieces of all time. Many people are familiar with the “Jupiter”, especially because this is frequently played by itself. However, this summer you get a chance to hear this magnificent work in its entirety! Wow! Enjoy this celestial concert, then spend some time under the beautiful spread of stars that graces Door County’s nighttime skies.

4 Saturday, August 18^th

a.     A night of two great B’s – Barber and Beethoven. Both are considered to be innovators in their fields, and this night will surely highlight this. Come enjoy Beethoven’s Symphony Number 9 and hear choral and orchestral forces combined like you’ve never heard before!

5 Festival Finale

a.     Just like the opening, the Finale is always a great time, no matter what’s on the bill. But this summer, for the 60^th anniversary of the Festival we’ve got a real treat for you: Guest Artist, award winning, Hilary Hahn. In our intimate auditorium, no matter where you sit it will feel like she’s playing just for you! This is the one to make, and bring all your friends too!

6 Okay, so I know it’s a “Top Five” list, but I can’t help but include that student tickets are only $10 again this summer (before tax). That means that you can bring your kids, neighbor’s kids, grandkids – whomever! – to hear some of the best musicians in the world, all on one stage, all for $10. This is an experience they will not soon forget!

So come check it out! 1 concert or 9, you'll be glad you came! And we can't wait to see you!