Present Music

**Present Music** is a Milwaukee-based contemporary music ensemble that’s been shaking up the classical scene since 1982. Founded by artistic director Kevin Stalheim, the group specializes in bold, genre-blurring works by living composers, often premiering pieces that defy tradition. Known for their adventurous spirit, they’ve championed music by artists like Raven Chacon (*Voiceless Mass*) and Kamran İnce (*Judgment of Paris*), blending orchestral experimentation with electronic textures, theatrical flair, and even nods to rock or global sounds. Their performances feel more like immersive experiences than standard concerts, often staged in unconventional spaces like warehouses or art galleries.

Recent projects like *Haunted America* and *26 Little Deaths* highlight their knack for tackling big themes—identity, history, myth—through collaborative, interdisciplinary storytelling. Whether they’re riffing on algorithms (Ryan Carter’s *On a Better Filtering Algorithm*) or reimagining ancient cities (İnce’s *Istathenople*), Present Music thrives on making cutting-edge music accessible, inviting audiences to lean in and get curious. Their vibe? Think “classical rebel with a cause,” always pushing boundaries while keeping the energy lively and inclusive.

Genres

Minimalism

Neoclassical

Avant-garde

Experimental

Electronic

Rock

Contemporary Classical

Orchestral Music

Post-minimalism

Theatrical Music

Related Artists

Kronos Quartet

Philip Glass

Tom Waits

Arvo Pärt

John Adams

Bang On A Can All-Stars

Steve Reich

Alarm Will Sound

eighth blackbird

Meredith Monk

Terry Riley

Sō Percussion

Latest Release

Raven Chacon: Voiceless Mass

Present Music

Single - Released April 18, 2025