Local Artist Presented in Recent Concert

Milwaukee, WI - The MacDowell Club of Milwaukee opened its 100th season with a concert presenting its newest members to the music-loving community. They took the stage on Sunday afternoon, October 25th, in the Nancy Kendall Theater at Cardinal Strich University in a free program entitled "Discoveries."

Oboist Judith Smeiska of Oconomowoc (center) was one of those who auditioned last winter. She made her MacDowell Club debut performing woodwind trios with two long-time members, flutist Linda Hartig of Waukesha (left) and clarinetist Gail Hodiewicz of Hales Corners (right). A professional nurse since 1983, Smeiska worked for 15 years at Froedtert Hospital, then for homecares until 2000. She now is an independent RN for the State of Wisconsin in Respiratory Care Services caring for ventilator-dependent patients in their homes. Smeiska studied oboe with Paul Kramer, Linda Strommen, Martin Woltman, and briefly with Ray Still. She has played principal oboe in the Racine Symphony and the Knight Wind Ensemble, and was a member of the Milwaukee Civic Orchestra for many years. A free-lance musician since 1976, Smeiska has participated in numerous woodwind quintets and, in 1984, subbed as 2nd oboe with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the hightlight of her life!

The MacDowell Club presents a regular series of free public programs by its Performing Members at various venues during the concert season. In addition, the Club gives occasional informal Tea Recitals in private homes exclusively for its members and their guests.

Auditions for performing membership are scheduled for Saturday morning January 16, 2010, at Cardinal Stritch University. For information or an application form, contact Marilyn Eisenberg, Membership Chair, at merzy@earthlink.net or phone 414-332-3234.

Associate (non-performing) Memberships are available at any time by sending a check in the amount of $25, payable to the MacDowell Club of Milwaukee, c/o the Treasurer, Barbara Bunge, 5860 Fulham Court, Greendale WI 53129-2132.

For further details, or a list of the remaining MacDowell Club’s 2009-2010 concerts, call 414-961-0747 or go to macdowellclubmilwaukee.org. # # #