Our History
Master Singers of Milwaukee has a strong history of music mastery that has transcended social trends: founded and directed by women at a time that was groundbreaking; thriving while other performance-based organizations floundered; we remain collaborative and community focused.
1972-1983
Founded
Music Director and founder Marlys Greinke began reaching out to talented vocalists in the area to build the Schütz Choir. The choir focused on German Baroque music, had no formal concert season, and invited guest conductors.
Several factors established Schütz Choir as a premier powerhouse of musical excellence:
- • Diversity in their guest conductors’ artistry
- • Programming choices across the spectrum of German Baroque composers
- • An exceedingly talented core of vocalists
- • An openness to exploring different methodologies and open to evolving ideas
1984 - 1993
Growth
The choir felt the need to expand beyond its baroque roots, so took on a new name that reflected the prominent accomplishments of their singers and captured the essence of their mission, The Master Singers of Milwaukee. The first concert under their new name was performed in 1983.
Marlys made a strong statement with the first director hired to lead the newly minted Master Singers of Milwaukee. In January 1984, Alice Parker, American composer and conductor was asked to conduct the Master Singers of Milwaukee in a program containing some of her own works. While it was not common for women to be given this position at the time, Marlys sought out talent and artistry over long-standing traditions and bias. These ideals are at the heart of our culture at MSM to this day.
By 1987 the modern model for MSM’s performance season was formed. A season’s worth of concerts were planned and performed instead of the one-at-a-time method employed earlier.
1984 - 1993
1994
Founder Marlys Greinke passes away
Marlys was a farm girl, a student, a wife, and a mother and when she shared her music it empowered others and made a meaningful impact. Music allowed her a platform to be a catalyst for change in the established norms. She had a powerful influence on the principles that founded the MSM and her lasting spirit helped guide the group as they ventured forward without her.
1994 - 2003
Change
After the passing of founder and artistic leader Marlys Greinke MSM was without an artistic director or full-time conductor for the first time. Adapting to the situation and an era that challenged traditional live performance-based organizations, the board explored an audition season format that included multiple conductors for one or two concerts each season.
1994 - 2003
2003-2009
Stability
Maestro Eric Townell was invited to be the music director of MSM in 2003. Townell would lead the group for seven seasons, to that point the longest tenure of a music director since Marlys Greinke led the group.
Maestro Townell also helped to increase the collaborative efforts of MSM by inviting groups as diverse as the Chamber Choir Cantinovum of Finland, the Army Soldier’s Chorus, the Great Lakes Navy Band, and the Milwaukee Symphony.
2010
Increasing Collaboration
In 2010 Dr. Eduardo Garcia-Novelli joined the Master Singers of Milwaukee as Director. Dr. Garcia-Novelli provided stability and collaboration by inviting local high school choirs to perform with the Master Singers at Christmas-time.
Dr. Garcia-Novelli kept the MSM on the cutting edge of performances and introduced the group to a diverse and rich repertoire from around the world.
National and international guest performers continue to share the stage with MSM including the 2018 performance of “Misa a Buenos Aires: Misatango” by Martín Palmeri. Its world-traveling composer Maestro Palmeri was invited to accompany his piece on the piano. Additionally, the world-famous bandoneon player Daniel Binelli was invited to accompany the Misatango.
2010
2014
Ross Greinke, founder Marlys’ son, named President.
Ross has seen more than 50 years of MSM pass, from a young boy looking on at his mother’s efforts to found this organization, to singing with MSM for 30 years, to himself taking the mantle of President. Ross continued the firm foundation in diversity and music excellence that Marlys had established early on.
2017
Executive Director, Dr. Sally Stanton hired.
Sally provides administrative guidance to the now 40+ member group.
2017
2021
Change of Artistic Directors
In July, Artistic Director, Dr. Eduardo García-Novelli, left The Master Singers to pursue a career at The University of Kansas as their Choral Director. This depature closes the door on an 11 year chapter for the MSM. Dr. Eduardo García-Novelli has given us the profound gift of his artistry and passion for creating transcendent moments in music. He will be dearly missed.
2021
A New Chapter
With Dr. Eduardo Garcia-Novelli’s departure, a new Artistic Director has been announced, Dr. Zachary Durlam. Serving as the Director of Choral Activities at The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and Choir Director at Grace Lutheran Church, Dr. Durlam brings a wealth of experience, passion, and a new light to the MSM. Read his full bio here.
2021