Three Anniversaries, Three World Premieres: Present Music Highlights Women Composers in Woman’s Club of Wisconsin’s 150th Celebration
September 17 concert marks milestones, spotlights mentorship and artistry
Image from Present Music.
MILWAUKEE, WI — 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)
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
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.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Present Music
45th Anniversary Season for Present Music
Aug 4th, 2026 by Present MusicBoundary-pushing ensemble announces new works, exciting composers and acclaimed guests in Milwaukee’s most distinctive venues
This Friday: Grammy-Nominated Artist Leads Present Music Season Finale at MAM
Jun 3rd, 2026 by Present MusicConcert offers eclectic exploration of home, heritage and identity
