Our 2021-2022 season may have just ended, but we’re already looking forward to the next season.
It all kicks off with a singer retreat in late August. MCC singers participate in 2 retreats per season – one in the fall and one in the winter. This 2-day activity is an extended rehearsal time that MCC singers greatly benefit from. The choirs come together, learn new music, and connect with one another. Following the retreat, rehearsals will begin on September 6, 2022. Singers will meet in-person on Tuesday evenings at Milwaukee Youth Arts Center Downtown Milwaukee and Community United Methodist Church in Elm Grove for 32-weeks of rehearsals.
While we are excited for these retreats and rehearsals, we think we can confidently say that what you want to see most is our first performance on November 5, 2022. Entitled “Give Thanks,” the concert will highlight the hard work of Milwaukee area nonprofits who are making a positive impact on the community and whose efforts deserve to be recognized and celebrated. Additionally, during this performance the MCC will collect donations for one of the organizations promoted, to further broaden its partnerships with non-performing arts organizations in the area.
Then on February 25, 2023, we will celebrate courage and determination during our performance “Moxie.” Choristers will highlight women in the arts by singing musical selections written by women composers. This performance will also include the premier of a new piece written by Alysia Lee, a renowned female, BIPOC composer. Further, Ms. Lee will bring her musical expertise directly to our choristers. During a workshop, Ms. Lee will speak with singers about the intricacies of the composing process to impart a deeper understanding of the music they are singing. She will also discuss opportunities to actively redress the underrepresentation of BIPOC and women composers in the performing arts realm.
The final performance of the 2022-2023 season, “Brilliant Earth,” will premiere on May 6, 2023 and involves collaboration with the Urban Ecology Center (UEC). Leading up to this event, choristers will engage in environmental service projects with the UEC. During the subsequent concert, images captured during the service projects will be displayed as a visual backdrop of the performance, while choristers sing songs that discuss our changing planet and concern for its survival. Our goal is that this experience will inspire choristers and audience members to reflect on the beauty of Earth and to become lifelong ambassadors of the environment.
The MCC is excited to announce the return of our collaboration with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and their program Arts in Community Education (ACE). The ACE program advances children’s learning and development by connecting students, teachers, school communities, and professional artists through engaging arts experiences and integrated arts curriculum.
Additionally, we look forward to continuing collaboration with Bel Canto and their performance of “Christmas in the Basilica.” This performance has become a holiday tradition of patrons in the Milwaukee area. Choristers will perform traditional Christmas carols alongside Bel Canto singers, an organ, and brass to get audience members in the spirit of this joyous time of year.
Our 29th season is sure to be the best yet. We hope you join us as we celebrate singing, the performing arts, and Milwaukee youth. We can’t wait to see you again next season.