Music
Classical Music & Opera
From grand opera and world-class symphonic performances to chamber music, choral works and adventurous contemporary compositions, southeastern Wisconsin offers an exceptionally rich classical music scene. Historic concert halls, intimate venues and university stages bring together internationally recognized artists, accomplished local musicians and the next generation of performers.
Early Music Now
759 N. Milwaukee St., Suite 420, Milwaukee
Founded in 1986, Early Music Now is Wisconsin’s only concert-series presenter devoted exclusively to historically informed performances of Medieval, Renaissance and early Baroque music. Its 40th season brings internationally recognized ensembles to distinctive Milwaukee-area venues, while the Milwaukee Early Music series showcases professional local musicians in accessible, pay-what-you-wish concerts. Educational programs and collaborations introduce audiences to music and instruments spanning centuries of musical history. Telephone: (414) 225-3113.
Florentine Opera
Wayne & Kristine Lueders Opera Center, 926 E. Burleigh St., Milwaukee
Founded in 1933, the Florentine Opera is one of the nation’s oldest professional opera companies and an important part of Milwaukee’s performing-arts tradition. The company presents fully staged opera alongside intimate concerts, community performances and its acclaimed Baumgartner Studio Artist program. Its 2026–27 season includes La Traviata, Gianni Schicchi and Mozart’s The Magic Flute, with mainstage performances at Uihlein Hall at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. Telephone: (414) 291-5700.
Milwaukee Musaik
Performances at venues throughout the Milwaukee area
Milwaukee Musaik is a consortium of accomplished area musicians dedicated to creating imaginative chamber and orchestral concert experiences. Programming pairs familiar classical repertoire with less frequently heard and contemporary works, often built around a unifying theme. Recent performances have included collaborations with Violins of Hope Wisconsin, concerts at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church and the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts.
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is one of the region’s premier cultural institutions, performing in the beautifully restored Bradley Symphony Center in downtown Milwaukee. Its extensive season ranges from major orchestral masterworks and internationally acclaimed guest artists to Pops concerts, film-with-live-orchestra events, holiday performances and family programming. The 2026–27 season includes works by Beethoven, Mozart, Mahler, Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich, along with Pops programs ranging from soul and New Orleans jazz to major motion pictures performed with live orchestra. Telephone: (414) 291-7605.
Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO)
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut St., Milwaukee
Since 1956, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra has grown from one orchestra of 30 students into one of the country’s largest and most respected youth-orchestra programs. MYSO now enrolls approximately 1,000 young musicians from 200 schools and 90 ZIP codes throughout southeastern Wisconsin. More than 40 ensemble and enrichment opportunities encompass symphony and string orchestras, jazz, steel pan, wind ensembles, music theory, composition and more. MYSO reaches approximately 25,000 audience members through more than 150 public performances annually.
Present Music
1037 W. McKinley Ave., Suite 104, Milwaukee
Founded in Milwaukee in 1982, Present Music is one of the nation’s leading ensembles devoted to the commissioning and performance of new music by living composers. Known for adventurous programming and performances in both traditional and unconventional spaces, the ensemble has introduced Milwaukee audiences to hundreds of new works. Present Music commissioned Raven Chacon’s Voiceless Mass, which received the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Music. Its Creation Project also gives Milwaukee Public Schools students the opportunity to compose music and hear their work performed by professional musicians. Telephone: (414) 644-1126.
Important correction: your old listing had Present Music at 3720 N. Fratney St. and used UWM’s (414) 229-4308 as its telephone number. Its current mailing address is 1037 W. McKinley Ave., Suite 104, and its general number is (414) 644-1126. UWM continues to handle Present Music’s box office.
Racine Symphony Orchestra
800 Center St., Room 313, Racine
Celebrating its 95th season, the Racine Symphony Orchestra is one of Wisconsin’s longest-running orchestras and has been bringing live orchestral music to southeastern Wisconsin for nearly a century. Its programming combines classical masterworks, popular favorites, holiday programming, educational initiatives and community performances. The orchestra also supports emerging musicians through educational programs and its Young Artist Competition. Telephone: (262) 636-9285.
Address correction: it is still at 800 Center St., but the office is now Room 313, not Suite 120.
UWM Peck School of the Arts – Music
2400 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Department of Music combines conservatory-style training with the resources of a major research university. Students and faculty present a busy calendar of orchestral, chamber, jazz, choral, opera, contemporary and solo performances, while collaborations with guest artists and Milwaukee’s professional music community provide additional opportunities. The department has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music since 1964. Telephone: (414) 229-4763.
UWM Peck School of the Arts – Music
Waukesha Choral Union
Performances at venues throughout Waukesha County
Waukesha Choral Union brings together area singers to present classical choral masterworks and a diverse repertoire of sacred, secular and contemporary music. The organization collaborates with instrumentalists, educational institutions, area arts organizations and community partners, providing both performances and opportunities for singers to participate in high-quality choral music close to home. Telephone: (262) 238-3454.
Wisconsin Philharmonic
234 W. Main St., Suite 9, Waukesha
Serving Waukesha County since 1947, the Wisconsin Philharmonic brings professional orchestral music to communities throughout the western Milwaukee metropolitan area. Its programming combines symphonic masterworks, guest soloists and new music with educational programs designed to develop young musicians. The Philharmonic’s 2026–27 season includes beloved concerto repertoire as well as the world premiere of a new Concerto for Orchestra. Its educational initiatives include the Shining Stars program and Chapman Memorial Piano Competition. Telephone: (262) 547-1858.