Arts at the Waelderhaus
Arts at the Waelderhaus 2025
Arts at the Waelderhaus is a series of cultural programs at Kohler’s "house in the woods.” Enjoy outstanding performances on a historic property!
All Sunday performances begin at 2 p.m. “Arts at the Waelderhaus” is open to the public and free of charge.
Seating is first come, first served. Call 920-453-2851 or email Jen.Balge@kohler.com for more information. Bringing a chair or blanket to sit on is recommended for outdoor concerts.
2025 Arts at the Waelderhaus Schedule
March 2, 2025 · 2:00 p.m.
Valencia Baryton Project
https://www.valenciabaryton.com/
The Valencia Baryton Project has dedicated itself to performing music written for an ancient and little-known instrument: the baryton. A cross between the viol da gamba and lirone, with 10 resonating and plucked strings down the back of the instrument, the baryton gives the traditional string trio an entirely new dimension.
The Valencia Baryton Project is a collective founded by Valencia-based barytonist Matthew Baker with the vision of performing the nearly 170 works written by Franz Joseph Haydn and compositions by other modern and classical composers. At the heart of the ensemble is the traditional trio formation —baryton, viola, and violoncello—for which Haydn wrote 123 works of outstanding beauty during his time as the court composer for Prince Esterhazy of Austria.
Matthew Baker – Baryton
Brett Walfish – Viola
Ismar Gomes – Cello
April 6, 2025 · 2:00 p.m.
Justin Carlos Miller: A-Frames & Flying Saucers: Midcentury Religious Architecture
Architectural Historian, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Babies weren’t the only thing booming after World War II! Religious membership surged in the 1950s and 1960s, prompting a construction boom of new houses of worship. This fast-paced and entertaining presentation will explore the unique architectural styles and aesthetics of midcentury modern religious buildings around the state—including Sheboygan County! We’ll also look at the deeper significance behind these buildings to reveal the ways architects and congregations sought to find meaning in a rapidly changing postwar world.
April 27, 2025 · 2:00 p.m.
Annika Nelson
classical guitar
Annika Nelson is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee studying under Cuban guitar virtuoso Rene Izquierdo. Coming from Plymouth, Wisconsin, she was active in the band program and played in the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, German Band, Musical Pit Band, and Show Choir Combo. In 2022, she was the recipient of the Ruth DeYoung Kohler Scholarship for Artistic Excellence. She aspires to be a professor of guitar and have opportunities to perform, compete, and teach at the collegiate level.
June 22, 2025 · 2:00 p.m.
áthas
Irish Band
https://www.athasmusic.com/
Milwaukee Irish band áthas lights the dance floor on fire with a combination of traditional and newly composed Irish dance tunes. Fierce fiddle, driving bodhrán, and funky guitar riffs come together to lift listeners’ feet and spirits. áthas is a band firmly rooted in the traditions of Irish music, constantly seeking inspiration from the past masters and passing on their knowledge by teaching throughout Milwaukee. The band remains receptive to new influences and continues to impress audiences with their new compositions as well as their passion, energy, and love for making music.
Amy Richter: bodhrán, percussion
Heather Lewin: fiddle, vocals
Jeff Ksiazek: guitar, bouzouki, whistles
September 14, 2025 · 2:00 p.m.
Natural Satellite
Indie jazz duo
https://www.naturalsatellitemusic.com/
The WAMI-nominated duo layers finger-style cello with catchy melodies, harmonies, and improvised saxophone to create a sound comparable to groups such as Morphine and Portis Head. Jason’s saxophone weaves in and out of verses harmonizing beautifully with Karli’s angelic voice. Their lyrics focus on self-love, reflection, and growth, leaving listeners feeling uplifted. When watching Natural Satellite perform, you can feel the chemistry between the two and the unique musical bond they share.
Karli Reisdorf - cello
Jason Reisdorf – saxophone
Past Seasons
Arts at the Waelderhaus 2024
Arts at the Waelderhaus 2023
