Kevin Stalheim, founder and artistic director of Present Music, has been recognized as Outstanding Artist of the Year by the Milwaukee Arts Board. Stalheim received the award at a program and reception this week at the Palms Bistro. Each year the Board honors an artist for his or her contributions to the Milwaukee arts community.
"Because of Kevin's wealth of talent and dedication, Milwaukee is on the map as an international center of new music," said Alderman Michael Murphy, Milwaukee Arts Board chairman. "We're pleased to recognize Kevin not only for his contributions to the Milwaukee arts community, but to new music throughout the world."
{INSERT_RELATED}Stalheim founded Present Music 21 years ago, growing it into one of the nation's leading ensembles specializing in the development and presentation of new music. Over the years, Stalheim has commissioned internationally-known composers to join Present Music's ensemble in Milwaukee.
In addition to extensive international touring, Present Music performs a six-concert series in Milwaukee, a five-concert series in Madison and provides children's educational programs. This spring the ensemble will be perform the world premiere of a new work by Chinese composer Xiaogang Ye in both China and Milwaukee. Music by Present Music can be heard on seven CDs.
