Michael Batcho, director of music for the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (812 N. Jackson St.) serves the Milwaukee community through a number of outreach and arts programs, including its Open Door Café, which serves hot meals and bag lunches to those in need, and a jail/prison ministry program. Accessible arts for all are an integral part of St. John’s mission. The Cathedral Fine Arts series, which began more than two decades ago, has included plays and performances from a number of musicians, including jazz great Dave Brubeck. Since 2002, St. John has been offering free half-hour public concerts at 12:15 p.m. every Wednesday. Off the Cuff asked Michael Batcho, St. John director of music, a few questions about the series.
How did the Wednesday concert series get started?
In 2002, we had completed renovation of the cathedral. We had made the decision to not have a noonday service. I had wanted to do a free concert series for a while, so this was the perfect time to get it going. The cathedral strives to keep outreach ministries, such as our Open Door Café, flowing. We believe in creating arts events that are available to the public. Donations at the concert are appreciated and go to fund the concert series.
Is the music performed at the concerts secular or religious?
Most of the music is religious. We aren’t the Pabst or the Uihlein, so we like to host performances appropriate to the venue. We’ve featured performances by the Milwaukee Liederkranz, a German men’s choir, and a number of harpists and organists. This year, we started Voces Mundi (Voices of the World), a series which highlights music from around the world, including Spain and South Africa.
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Who mainly attends these concerts? Are they popular with Downtown workers on their lunch breaks?
We get a few Downtown workers, but the audiences mostly consist of senior citizens. It’s been ebbing and flowing over the years.
What are your upcoming plans for the concert series?
We’ve already booked performers through 2019. On Sunday, Dec. 9, at 5:15 p.m., we will hold our Advent Service of Lessons and Carols, with music from Voces Mundi, Cathedral Choir, Women’s Choir, Handbell Ensemble, and two organists. In March, we generally host a concert to celebrate Lent.
For more information on the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and its Wednesday concert and fine arts series and community outreach programs, visit stjohncathedral.org.
