Madeline Island Chamber Music’s Cabaret successfully raised significant funds to support student scholarships and fellowships while it showcased the talent of our students, alumna, and faculty. The Cabaret introduced us to repertoire by composers from around the world and across the ages, performed within the glow of Westminster Hall.

Highlights of the evening included cellists (and former faculty member) Anthony Ross and Beth Rapier performing “Julie-O” by Turtle Island Quartet’s Mark Summer; alumna violinist Stephanie Skor and Stephen Fang performing tango music by Astor Piazzolla and Hungarian folk melodies by Bela Bartok—along with a surprise “Mosquito Dance” in honor of Madeline Island; faculty flutist Jonathan Keeble performing “Hibiee Jibiees” by Venezuelan Marco Granados; and a student quartet performing the String Quartet by Claude Debussy.

Emceed by Minnesota Public Radio’s John Birge, the evening ended with passing of top hats to solicit contributions to support Madeline Island Chamber Music and the essential financial aid provided to students.

Photo Credit: Josh Feist

Our 73 college and high school students have returned to their schools and homes, taking with them the musical knowledge they gained along with new friendships. As one student said, “Five weeks of history’s greatest music, with some of the best faculty artists in the country, in a spectacularly beautiful natural setting: what could be better?”

During the season, we offered:

• Six weeks of intense, rigorous education to 73 string and woodwind students from 22 states and three foreign countries.
• Fourteen concerts by our students, both on Madeline Island and in Bayfield, including the popular Bell Street Gallery Happy Hour concerts.
• Six Master Classes providing an opportunity for the public to listen and learn along with our students.
• Community engagements activities featuring our students at the Madeline Island Museum and the Madeline Island Library.
• Eight concerts by our ensembles-in-residence Arianna String Quartet, Borromeo String Quartet, Brooklyn Rider, Jupiter String Quartet, and Prairie Winds.

Audience numbers were up this year, as excitement was in the air for such events as the World Premiere of “Schisma” by award-winning composer Caroline Shaw performed by Brooklyn Rider. And it was lights, camera, action when Wisconsin Public Television arrived on campus for five days of filming to create a 60-minute program about Madeline Island Chamber Music, airing in 2019.

Bright and talented student musicians … dedicated and brilliant faculty musicians … exciting concerts … a receptive audience: it all added up to be a wonderful season. We’re already looking forward to summer 2019.