Kevin Stalheim founded Present Music 37 years ago, famously saying that he created the group out of boredom, and has been its Artistic Director ever since. Over that time, he has built a vibrant and expansive audience for new music in Milwaukee, leading the classical music ensemble to collaborate with respected musicians and dancers in the city as well artists from all over the world.
As with all good things, Stalheim’s tenure at the helm of Present Music will come to an end at the end of its 2018-2019 concert season. The season will culminate in a farewell thank you concert happening at the Pabst Theater on Saturday, June 1.
“I have always said that Present Music could not have happened anywhere except Milwaukee,” Stalheim says. “It was the people here that made Present Music possible and successful! We’ve toured internationally, commissioned world premieres, and drawn much larger audiences here than even New York performances do. As I approach retirement and look back at what we have accomplished here, I see a city of full of music lovers looking for their next adventure. I’m proud to have helped create that environment and opportunity.”
Present Music’s final season includes:
Sept. 8: Kevin’s Last Season Opener – Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts
Nov. 18: Thanksgiving 2018 Concert – Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
Feb. 21-22: In the New Chamber – Jan Serr Studio
June 1: Stalheimtime Finale – Pabst Theater
You can find out more about Present Music’s 2018-2019 season here.
Stay on top of the news of the day
Subscribe to our free, daily e-newsletter to get Milwaukee's latest local news, restaurants, music, arts and entertainment and events delivered right to your inbox every weekday, plus a bonus Week in Review email on Saturdays.