Composed for the WCW: A 150th Anniversary Concert

Present Music opens its 2026–27 season with ‘Composed for the Woman's Club of Wisconsin,’ a dynamic concert featuring three world premieres and two fan favorites that celebrate 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 and 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's 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.

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

MENU

Salad

Summer Melon Salad (with Burrata Cheese, Crisp Prosciutto, Arugula, Sunflower Seeds, Fresh Basil, Balsamic-Fig Vinaigrette)

Entrée

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken (Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic, Basil, Olive Oil, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Balsamic Glaze)

Grilled Vegetables Kebob (with Sumac, Preserved

Lemon Butter)

Seared Pork Medallions (Rosemary-Peach, White Wine, Bacon Lardons, Crème Fraîche, Honey)

New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp (Wilted Spinach, Creole Butter Sauce, Lemon)

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes (Fresh Herbs From Chef Jan’s Garden)

Dessert

Berry Clafoutis With Lemon-Thyme Cream