This week, Present Music announced the appointment of local musician Eric Segnitz and nationally recognized conductor David Bloom as its future co-artistic directors. Founder Kevin Stalheim, who is retiring in June, will officially welcome the new leadership team in July. 

"I am absolutely thrilled that Eric Segnitz and David Bloom have been chosen going forward," says Stalheim. "I have the greatest respect for their talents which I think will combust into a bright and imaginative future for Present Music."

Segnitz, a native of Milwaukee, is currently a part of Present Music’s "In the New Chamber" concerts that take place Feb. 21-22 in the Jan Serr Studio in UWM's Kenilworth Building. For this show, Segnitz chose to showcase all women composers in a time when most performing arts groups fail to include pieces composed by women and non-binary composers.

Bloom, who currently lives in New York, served as a visiting conductor for Present Music and worked with the organization for the past three years.

"Working with Present Music has been one of the highlights of my artistic life. I am excited to join this intrepid organization and to continue its impactful work," says Bloom. "I am particularly looking forward to working with Eric Segnitz, whose boundless creativity is matched only by his tireless dedication to this ensemble."

Segnitz, who will also continue to perform with the ensemble, expressed his delight in taking on this new role.

"I'm very grateful to the board and Kevin for the confidence they've shown in me, and also to the people who have been so important in the history of the organization," says Segnitz.

More information about Segnitz and Bloom can be found here.  For tickets and info about upcoming shows, go here.