Jeremiah Cawley named Milwaukee Chamber Choir artistic director

Milwaukee, Wis. – June 27, 2025 – Jeremiah Cawley, a highly regarded choral clinician, adjudicator and conducting educator, will serve as the artistic director of Milwaukee Chamber Choir (MCC) effective immediately, according to Andrew Meyer, MCC board president.

Cawley is well acquainted with MCC, having performed with the ensemble on two occasions and directed its “The Day is Far Spent” concert in November 2024. He holds Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Washington, where he studied under Geoffrey Boers. He currently is assistant professor of music and director of choirs and vocal music at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wis. He previously held positions at Valparaiso University, Loras College, Western Kentucky and Georgia State Universities.

An extensive, 14-month-long search required each of the exceptional candidates to curate, rehearse and direct a full concert. The search committee included Meyer, choir member Faith Danneil and board treasurer James LaBelle.

“With the start of our 13th season, it will be inspiring to have Dr. Cawley in front of us,” said Meyer. “He is an exceptionally dedicated and accomplished musician, teacher, conductor and leader, bringing innovative ideas about how MCC can enhance and improve our connection with audiences.”

“We are fortunate that he will assume the role of artistic director following the unexpected passing of our founding director, J. Mark Baker, in 2023. It has been a pleasure working with Dr. Cawley, and we look forward to supporting his vision for our future. Under his artistic leadership, MCC is poised to enter a new era of excellence in artistry, community engagement and musical innovation,” Meyer said.

Cawley has conducted instrumental and vocal ensembles across the United States and the United Kingdom. He performs with the Grammy-nominated and Emmy-honored True Concord, founded the new music ensemble The Box Is Empty and is an inaugural member of the professional vocal ensemble withonevoice. His recorded work includes collaborations with The Riot Ensemble (London, UK), Solaris Vocal Ensemble (Seattle, Wash.) and Chamber Cartel (Atlanta, Ga.).

“It is an honor to be named the new artistic director of Milwaukee Chamber Choir. I have been so impressed by the high quality of their performances and even more so by how much they love to sing together,” remarked Cawley. “I am excited and humbled to help in continuing to offer great choral music to the Milwaukee community.”

Milwaukee Chamber Choir was founded in autumn 2013 to sing a concert celebrating the 100th birthday of Benjamin Britten. MCC performs each spring and fall. The choir is comprised of 25 professional-level singers, all of whom volunteer their time and talents. The mission of the choir is to perform standard choral classics, from the Renaissance through the 21st century.

Milwaukee Chamber Choir, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, will launch its 13th season in fall 2025. Information about auditions, concerts, recordings and donations is available online at milwaukeechamberchoir.org, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.