Over 50 years ago the idea of presenting fine classical music in Door County seemed only a dream. That dream became a reality thanks to the hard work and persistence of a small group of people. Today, the Peninsula Music Festival Orchestra is comprised of accomplished professional musicians, under the baton of an outstanding conductor. Their presence here each summer and the fine music they create add immeasurably to the quality of life in Door County for visitors and residents alike.

Building on the solid foundation of our history, today's Board of Directors also has a dream. That dream is threefold:

• Retain affordable and accessible tickets
• Maintain and enhance the superb quality of the orchestra
• Maintain and enhance the suberb quality of the conductors

The quality of this orchestra and its conductors will always be the major focus of our dream. In addition, we have risen to the compelling challenge of broadening the reach of the Peninsula Music Festival to a younger generation through our scholarship and internship programs as well as educational outreach in the Door County schools.

These goals are obtainable. Ticket prices need to be accessible and affordable to everyone. The Peninsula Music Festival currently maintains a section of $28 seats and offers 1/2 off to children and students. The Festival Orchestra has grown in numbers and quality as higher caliber players have been hired. The greater numbers of string players have broadened the repertoire that can be programmed. To keep these players, the Festival will have to offer competitive wages or else risk losing these fine musicians to better paying summer employment. Music Director Victor Yampolsky is one of the finest conductors and music educators in the nation. A frequent and popular guest conductor around the nation and world, he is also the only endowed music faculty position at Northwestern University where he is Head of Orchestras. Stephen Alltop, associate conductor, holds positions at Alice Millar Chapel, Elmhurst Symphony, and the Apollo Chorus of Chicago. These conductors combined with the Festival Orchestra create an orchestra that many larger cities would be proud to call their own.

Keeping this dream alive requires more than vision and hard work - it requires a solid and growing financial base. To this end, the Thor Johnson Endowment Trust (an irrevocable trust) was established. The original endowment was started by the estate of Thor Johnson. A three year fundraising drive that began in 1994, added $1.5 million to the trust which now stands at just over $3.2 million. Our goal is an endowment of $4 million. This increase would go a long way toward fulfilling the dreams and mission of the Festival.

Share in our dream of ensuring the future of the Peninsula Music Festival with your tax deductible contribution to the Thor Johnson Endowment Trust. Call the Festival Office at 920-854-4060 for more information or to make your pledge.