Symphonic Band to perform 50th anniversary concert

Lakeshore Symphonic Band will present its 50th anniversary concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the Cedarburg Preforming Arts Center.

The concert will include the world premiere of “Gold” by Wisconsin composer Stacey Berk, which was commissioned by the band in honor of its anniversary.

In addition to composing, Berk is a professor of oboe and music theory/composition at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Her compositions have been performed across the U.S., in Europe, Asia and Australia. She has received commissions from the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America, Point Dance Ensemble, Polaris Wind Quintet and university, high school and junior high bands and choirs.

The concert will also include a performance on euphonium of “Variations on Annie Laurie,” featuring the band’s 2026 Young Artist Competition winner Alivia Uttech, a sophomore at Tremper High School in Kenosha.

The band will welcome back Louis Menchaca, its director from 1997 to 2006, who will conduct Gordon Jacob’s “An Original Suite.” Menchaca recently retired from Concordia University Wisconsin, where he coordinated all aspects of the instrumental music division ensembles, instruction and administration.

Also included on the concert program will be “In Two Places,” “October,” “Let Me Be Frank With You,” “Children’s March (Over the Hills and Far Away)” and

“Gershwin!”

Admission is $10 for adults and students and children younger than 12 are admitted free.

The Performing Arts Center is at W68 N611 Evergreen Blvd.

More information about the band can be found at www.LakeshoreSymphonicBand.org.