Present Music opens its 2026–27 season with ‘Composed for the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin,’ a dynamic concert with three world premieres and two fan favorites celebrating the vital voices of women in contemporary classical music. Taking place Thursday, September 17, the evening celebrates a triple milestone: the 150th anniversary of the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin (WCW), the 45th season of Present Music, and the 10th anniversary of Luna Composition Lab (LCL).

This concert is a true full-circle celebration for Present Music, WCW and composer Missy Mazzoli. Long before she became a leading voice in new classical music, the ensemble championed Mazzoli as an emerging talent, presenting her breakthrough string trio, Lies You Can Believe (commissioned in 2006 by the WCW’s Lois Smith). Twenty years later, Present Music again partners with show sponsor Lois Smith to present more from Mazzoli – now a three-time Grammy nominee – in WCW’s beautiful halls.

Mazzoli’s influence echoes through this vibrant line-up of chamber works. In 2016, she co-founded Luna Composition Lab to champion young women, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming composers. Reflecting that mission, the program includes LCL mentor Alex Temple as well as rising talents Olivia Bennett and Zola Saadi-Klein, both LCL alumni. Acclaimed composer and Irish fiddler Liz Carroll rounds out the program, highlighting the depth and breadth of women compositional voices.

The Program

Missy Mazzoli, Ecstatic Science (2016)

Commissioned by New York-based sextet yMusic and premiered at Carnegie Hall, New York. Through multiplied chord progressions and inverted melodies, the “science” behind the score provides a clear framework for the piece’s persistent, bubbling energy.

Olivia Bennett, In the Garden Walls – World Premiere

Drawing inspiration from the composer’s experience restoring a historic garden on a castle estate in Scotland, the work captures its duality: ancient walls hold both forgotten histories and vibrant new life.

Zola Saadi-Klein, hopefully see you there – World Premiere

This tribute was written in loving memory of the composer’s passionate mentor, a fierce musician who dedicated her life to bringing out the absolute best in her students.

Alex Temple, 7x7x7 – World Premiere

This new work weaves variations of the ostensible number into a musical Rubik’s cube: seven-note chords, played seven times, seven instruments, the list continues!

Liz Carroll,  A Tune for the Girls (2002)

Grounded in the Irish traditional style, this original reel celebrates the composer’s work with String Sisters, a supergroup featuring six of the world’s leading fiddlers across Celtic and Nordic music.

Conductor David Bloom leads the exceptional ensemble of musicians, supported by David Vartanian’s sound design.

Tickets — $35 and $55 (plus tax and handling) — are available online at in-person at the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin. Tickets to WCW’s pre-performance buffet dinner ($55, including tax and tip) may be purchased separately.

Event Details

Composed for the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin

Woman’s Club of Wisconsin | 813 E Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee

September 17, 2026

5:30 p.m. — Cocktails
6:00 p.m. — Dinner

7:30 p.m. — Concert

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

AT

414.276.5170 |  presentmusic.org | In-person at WCW

$35 | GENERAL SEATING

$55 | PREMIER SEATING

$55 | PRE-PERFORMANCE DINNER

$15 | STUDENT RUSH (as available)

CONCERT DETAILS

TICKETS

Sponsors

Commission Sponsors: Nora Finnigan Werra in celebration of the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin’s 150th Anniversary; and Mark Van Hecke in celebration of Present Music.

Concert sponsors: Lois Smith; Jan Serr & John Shannon; Judy Keyes Family Fund at Greater Milwaukee Foundation

About Present Music

Present Music is one of the nation’s leading ensembles specializing in the commissioning and performance of new music. Founded in 1982, Present Music engages artists and audiences in imaginative and provocative musical experiences, commissioning over 100 new works and releasing internationally acclaimed recordings throughout its 45-year history.

2026–27 Present Music Season

Thursday, September 17, 2026 / 7:30 pm (Non-Subscription concert)
Composed for the WCW: 150th Anniversary Celebration
Women’s Club of Wisconsin – 813 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee

Friday, October 30, 2026 / 7:30 pm
Forty Something
UWM Zelazo Center – 2419 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee

Sunday, November 22, 2026 / 5:00 pm
A Hundred Ways: Thanksgiving
Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist – 812 N Jackson St, Milwaukee

Thursday, February 11 & Friday, February 12, 2027 / 7:30 pm
Wanderlust featuring Sam Amidon
Jan Serr Studio – 2155 N Prospect Ave, Milwaukee

Wednesday, March 24 & Thursday 25, 2027 / 7:30 pm
Bird is the Werd
Jan Serr Studio – 2155 N Prospect Ave Milwaukee

Wednesday, May 12, 2027 / 8:00 pm
Modern Myths
Milwaukee Art Museum – 700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee

Five-concert and Three-concert subscriptions are currently on sale with ‘Early Bird’ Pricing through August 31, 2026. Single Tickets for all concerts currently on sale: $70, $38, 25, $18

presentmusic.org or 414.229.4308