Birch Creek Celebrates 50th Season with World-Class Performances & Special Events
EGG HARBOR, Wis. (March 1, 2025) – Birch Creek Music Performance Center proudly announces its 50th season, a summer filled with world-class concerts, special guest artists, and unique celebrations marking this milestone year. Advanced student musicians will perform alongside nationally recognized faculty and guest artists, bringing unforgettable musical experiences to audiences in the historic Dutton Concert Barn.
Secure your tickets now at BirchCreek.org/Tickets and be part of this once-in-a-lifetime season, featuring newly commissioned works, a 50th Season Gala on September 13, and a special 50th season video and mural honoring Birch Creek’s history.
Season Opening & Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music (June 19-28, 2025)
The season begins on Thursday, June 19, with an exhilarating Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music concert, followed by six additional performances through June 28 under the leadership of Dan Moore (Professor of Music, University of Iowa).
A highlight of the 50th season, steel pan virtuoso Victor Provost will return as a special guest artist. With a dazzling improvisational style, he’s recognized globally for seamlessly blending Bebop, contemporary flair, and Caribbean roots. A new commemorative work for percussion and steel pans composed by Provost is set to premiere during the Percussion session.
Symphony Session Featuring Guest Artists (July 3-12, 2025)
Under the direction of Ricardo Castañeda (Principal Oboist, Lake Forest Symphony) and Taka Matsunaga, Birch Creek’s full symphony orchestra will deliver six stunning performances that celebrate both tradition and innovation.
The session opens on July 3 with the Rising Stars concert, showcasing the 2024 Clampitt Concerto Competition winners. Violinist William Maeda will perform Saint-Saëns’ “Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso,” while bassoonist Owen Driscoll will perform Weber’s “Andante and Hungarian Rondo.” On July 4, Birch Creek’s annual “A Birch Creek Symphonic Fourth” will bring a rousing selection of patriotic music, with guest conductor Brian Groner returning to lead the orchestra. Concertgoers are invited to arrive early for a pie and ice cream social at 2 PM before the performance.
This season’s Symphony guest artists also feature former Birch Creek students who have risen to prominence as professional musicians.
On July 5, internationally acclaimed violist Matthew Lipman takes the stage for a performance of the viola transcription of Mozart’s beloved “Clarinet Concerto in A Major.” Recognized as one of the most sought-after musicians of his generation, Lipman has appeared as a soloist with leading orchestras and performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall.
Later in the session, Mary Elizabeth Bowden, a celebrated soloist and member of Seraph Brass, will perform on July 10. Known for her innovative commissioning projects and award-winning albums, Bowden will bring her refined tone and brilliant playing to Arutunian’s dazzling and romantic “Trumpet Concerto.”
The following evening, on July 11, pianist Jonathan Bass, a Door County native and Lawrence University alumnus, will present Beethoven’s expressive and lyrical “Piano Concerto No. 4.” Currently studying in Paris at the renowned École normale de musique de Paris-Alfred Cortot, Bass is making an impact on the international stage as a collaborative pianist and soloist.
The Symphony Session concludes on July 12 with a performance by Michael Thurber, a multifaceted musician whose work spans classical, jazz, and contemporary music. A founding member of the house band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Thurber has also composed for Broadway and performed with Grammy-nominated violinist Tessa Lark. His program at Birch Creek will include Eccles’ “Sonata in G Minor,” as well as the world premiere of “Symphonic Dances,” a commissioned work created for Birch Creek’s 50th season.
Big Band Jazz Featuring Jazz Legend Harold Jones (July 16-August 9, 2025)
The Big Band Jazz session will feature 16 performances of swing, blues, and jazz standards, directed by Jeff Campbell (Eastman School of Music). Legendary jazz drummer Harold Jones, known for his work with Count Basie and Tony Bennett, will join the Jazz II session as a special guest artist, bringing his unparalleled swing to the August 8 performance. Jones' iconic drumming has shaped the jazz world, making his performances a must-see highlight. Jazz concerts will showcase classic and contemporary big band charts, as well as student combos and faculty ensembles.
50th Season Celebrations: Gala, Video, and Mural
To honor five decades of music education and performance, Birch Creek will host a special 50th Season Gala on Saturday, September 13. This event will celebrate Birch Creek’s history with exclusive performances, guest appearances, and reflections on the past 50 years.
Additionally, Birch Creek will premiere a commemorative video on opening night, which will be shown before each concert throughout the season. A special mural will also be unveiled, celebrating the organization’s rich history, legacy, and growth since its founding in 1976 will be featured in Miller Hall.
Ticket Information & Concert Schedule
Evening Concerts: 7:00 PM (Pre-concert music at 6:30 PM)
Matinee Concerts: June 21, June 27, July 4, and August 1 at 3:00 PM
Tickets:
Adults: $33 | Students: $10 | Children: $6
Premium Seating: $40
Special Offer: “3/4 Time” Promotion – Buy 3 tickets, get the 4th free!
Group rates available for parties of 10 or more.
Reserve your tickets today at BirchCreek.org/Tickets or call 920-868-3763 (Monday–Thursday, 9 AM – 4 PM, Friday, 9 AM – 2 PM).