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Message ANNUALREPORT 2023

0 2 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 3THANK YOU, FOR A WONDERFUL SEASON! KAI SIMONEManaging DirectorAs we reflect on the past season, we extend our heartfelt thanks to ourdedicated supporters, concert attendees, singers, volunteers, andcommunity partners. Your unwavering commitment allows Bel CantoChorus to continue its mission: to enrich lives through the power ofchoral music, fostering meaningful connections between singers,audiences, and the greater Milwaukee community.Founded in 1931, Bel Canto Chorus has served as a cornerstone ofMilwaukee’s vibrant arts scene, offering world-class choralperformances and impactful community engagement programs.Whether through our cherished concert traditions, educationalinitiatives, or outreach efforts, we remain committed to sharing the joyof singing with all.The 2022-2023 season is particularly significant as we prepare for thetransition of longtime Music Director Richard Hynson, who will retireat the end of the next season. This year is a crescendo toward a grandfinale, filled with powerful performances, innovative collaborations,and a deepened commitment to serving our community through music.

About Bel Canto ChorusFounded in 1931, Bel Canto Chorus stands as Milwaukee's premier choralorganization, dedicated to enriching lives through the power of choral music. With astrong commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, we fostermeaningful connections between singers, audiences, and the greater Milwaukeecommunity.For over three decades, Music Director Richard Hynson has led Bel Canto withpassion and vision, shaping a legacy of musical excellence. Our ensemble ofapproximately 100 singers, drawn from southeastern Wisconsin, gathers regularlyat the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center to rehearse and prepare for inspiringperformances.Beyond our annual concert season, we actively engage in educational initiatives,collaborations with students and educators, and support for emerging artists. TheBel Canto Senior Singers Program, now in its 17th year, continues to enrich the livesof individuals aged 55 and older, fostering connection and well-being through choralsinging.Music Director Richard Hynson and Assistant Conductor and Accompanist Michelle Hynson 0 3 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 3

The 2022-2023 Artistic Season: Crescendo to a FinaleOur 92nd season was a powerful journey toward an important milestone—the transition oflongtime Music Director Richard Hynson, who will retire at the end of the next season.Each performance this year honored our rich history while looking ahead to an excitingfuture.Giving Voice to Milwaukee for 92 YearsThe season opened on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at the Irish Cultural & Heritage Center ofWisconsin with a tribute to Milwaukee’s musical legacy. Through a carefully curatedprogram and minimal accompaniment, the chorus took the audience on a journeyspanning nine decades, celebrating both the history of Bel Canto and the vibrant artisticheritage of our city.Christmas in the BasilicaA beloved annual tradition, Christmas in the Basilica filled the Basilica of St. Josaphat withfestive music from December 9-11, 2022. Now in its 14th year, this cherished event featuredbrass, organ, and timeless carols, highlighted by John Rutter’s Gloria, creating a movingand joyful start to the holiday season.Old and NewOn Sunday, March 12, 2023, at St. Monica Parish, we explored the balance between traditionand innovation. This performance, accompanied by a full orchestra, featured Tõnu Kõrvits’Kreek’s Notebook alongside Gian Carlo Menotti’s Missa ‘O Pulchritudo’, a piececommissioned by Bel Canto in 1979.Johannes Brahms' A German RequiemThe season concluded with a breathtaking festival concert on Sunday, May 21, 2023, atConcordia University’s R. John Buuck Field House. In collaboration with the Kettle MoraineSymphony and area high schools, over 250 musicians joined forces to bring Brahms’ AGerman Requiem to life, marking an unforgettable culmination of the season.0 4 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 3

Bel Canto Chorus Income 2022-2023Ticket Income $124K23%124,274Donations from Individuals/Corporations $106K19%106,274Foundations and Grants $146K27%145,941Fundraising Event Income $105K19%104,625Chorus Payments (incl. Tuition/Membership) $29K5%28,766Other $36K7%36,720100%546,598Bel Canto Chorus Expenses 2022-2023Administrative/Artistic Salaries (Excl. Orchestra) $285K53%285,316Concert Production (incl. Orchestra) $94K17%93,916General Administrative $66K12%65,767Fundraising $53K10%52,930Program (Bel Canto Chorus/Senior Singers) $22K4%21,776Marketing $18K3%18,143100%537,8480 5 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 3INCOME AND EXPENSES BY PERCENTAGE AND THE NUMBERSFINANCIAL SNAPSHOTFinancial Summary & OutlookBel Canto Chorus ended the 2022-2023 season on a strong financial footing, with total revenue of $546,598,reflecting a well-balanced mix of ticket sales, donations, grants, and fundraising efforts. Our community’sgenerosity played a pivotal role, with individual and corporate donations, foundations, and grantsaccounting for nearly half of our income.Expenses for the year totaled $537,848, with the majority allocated to artistic and administrative salaries,concert production, and essential operations that support our mission. Thoughtful financial managementensured that we maintained stability while continuing to invest in high-quality performances, outreachprograms, and organizational growth.As we move forward into our 93rd season, Bel Canto Chorus remains committed to artistic excellence,community engagement, and financial sustainability. With continued support from our patrons, donors,and partners, we are poised for another year of inspiring music, deeper connections, and meaningfulimpact in the Milwaukee community.

Bel Canto Chorus Donor List Bel Canto Chorus Financial Supporters and Endowment FundConsider donating to the Bel Canto Chorus Endowment Fund, where your gift to choralmusic can be appreciated for years to come. Whether it is a gift of stock or a check, simplyindicate that you would like your investment to go toward our Endowment Fund. For more information, contact the Bel Canto office at (414) 481-8801.Begun by a generous gift from The Suzanne & Richard Pieper Family Foundation.Bel Canto Legacy Society Members of the Bel Canto Legacy Society have agreed to include the Chorus as a part of their estate planning arrangements. You may join them by contacting the Bel Canto office at (414) 481-8801.·Margaret E. Haggerty·Louise L. Hedrick·Sally D. Hoyt & Vaughn Ausman·Kerry Saver·William & Susan Smith·Joanna & Chris Smocke·James Steinman·Roseanne & David Tolan·Louis WinterCORPORATE AND FOUNDATION SUPPORT (4/1/2022-3/31/2023)$1,000 - $4,999·Sarah Margaret Hegarty Foundation Inc.·Marcus Hotels & Resorts·Network for Good·Clare M. Peters Charitable Trust·Pieper Electric, Inc./Ideal Mechanical·Wisconsin Arts BoardCORPORATE AND FOUNDATION SUPPORT (4/1/2022-3/31/2023)$10,000+·Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation·United Performing Arts FundCORPORATE AND FOUNDATION SUPPORT (4/1/2022-3/31/2023)$100 - $999·Amazon Smile·Fidelity Charitable·Pedro Lima Interiors·The George L. N. Meyer Family Foundation,·Inc.·Northwestern Mutual Foundation·Thrivent FinancialCORPORATE AND FOUNDATION SUPPORT (4/1/2022-3/31/2023)$5,000 - $9,999·CAMPAC Milwaukee County Arts Fund·Bert L. and Patricia S. Steigleder Charitable·TrustCORPORATE AND FOUNDATION SUPPORT (4/1/2022-3/31/2023)Matching Gifts·GE Foundation·Johnson Control·17INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT (4/1/2022-3/31/2023)Bravissimo ($5,000 - $9,999)·Sally D. Hoyt & Vaughn Ausman·Marq & Rachel Ragatz TruscottINDIVIDUAL SUPPORT (4/1/2022-3/31/2023)Standing Ovation ($10,000+)·Anonymous (2)0 6 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 3

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT (4/1/2022-3/31/2023)Bravo ($1,000 - $4,999)· Anonymous (2)· Jan & Bob Becker· Paul & Helen Dexter· Mary Alice Dunn· Janet Gibeau· Eileen Griffiths· Jeffrey & Linda Hayes· Charmaine & James LaBelle· Theodore & Kelsey Perlick Molinari· Ed & Linda Mordy· Terri Mullins· Tim & Ellen Pappas· Michael & Mary Burke Ryan· Jeff & Marcia Schwager· Don & Kathy Schwerin· Erin & Craig Stampfl· Mark Weller· Elaine & Robert Wessel· Jessica R. WirthINDIVIDUAL SUPPORT (4/1/2022-3/31/2023)Forte ($250 - $499)· Moki & Cindy Amini· Tom & Carole Barnum· Sandra Christensen· Dee Dee Cutright· Susan & Dennis Daye· Cary Docter· Ann Eisenbrown· Michael & Doreen Festge· Matthew & Victoria Haas· Dan & Connie Holzmiller· Kathleen & Tyrrell Hughes· Katie Kaminsky & Jeff Niehus· Penny Laferriere· Colleen Lese· Pat & Ray Mehler· Kathleen Muldowney & Jeff Kalenak· Alex & Rick Pieper· Mary Beth Pride· Dave & Betty Reul· Brett Seamons· Jeff Solie· Jessica & Andy Stenz· Martin & Janet Tierney· Elizabeth Wessel· Charles & Kathleen Willenbrink· Zach & Jessica Willenbrink· Marilyn & Doug Zwissler0 7 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 3

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT (4/1/2022-3/31/2023)Fortissimo ($500 - $999)· Anonymous (1)· CarolAnne Bozosi· Susan J. Brown· Randy Casey· John Cullen· Thayer Fisher & Hayley GermanFisher· Stanley & Janet Fox· Ellen Fulton & James Hegarty· Michael L. Hayes & Patricia A. Teets· Jim & Christine Hill· Hal Horneffer· James & Laura Hyland· Richard & Michelle Hynson· Gregg & Sheila Jozwik· Gordon Lang & Julie Ziefle· Sue Martin-Steiner & Tony Steiner· Annalisa Ragatz· Raka & Lisa Rao· Kerry Saver· E. Wendy Walcott· Michael Walton, Sr.· Jim WardINDIVIDUAL SUPPORT (4/1/2022-3/31/2023)Friend (to $99)· Anonymous (11)· Alexandra Aldridge· Karen Allison· Natalie Alvarado· Christopher Anderson· Altha & Tom Arden· Janine Arseneau· Rachel Ashworth· Stephen Bachhuber· Thaddeus & Alison Rada-Bayne· John & Judy Bintliff· Marilyn Hughes Blackmon· Susan & Bruce Boyd· Tom Brucker· Elaine Brylow· Mary Bykowski· John Calhoun· Eddie Carrasquillo· Theresa Castino· Jim Chiolino· Robert Christie· Jane Bosman-Clark· Laura Cmeyla· David Crouse· Bonita Cyganiak· Tamika A. Dallas· Rich & Mary Davenport· Margaret Dickson· Judith Dooley· Catherine Dutton· Mackenzie Easton· Merzy Eisenberg0 8 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 3

· Vicki Elkin· Ryan & Leia Esser· Casey Falk· Joel & Erica Frank· Paul Frey· Mark Finch· Sandy Gallo· Debora Gault· Inez Gawrych· Amelita Gierke· Alec Gizzi· Jeanne & Joseph Goyette· Brad & Kate Grimmer· Terry Guinan· Aida S. Gust· Erin Gutsmiedl· Abby & Stephen Haase· Ellen Halley· Brenda Hamburger· Diya Hampel· Nancy Hansen· Thomas Hanson· Andrea Hauser· Craig & Suzanne Heabler· Kim Herrick· Lloyd & Elna Hickson· Suzann Holte· Diane R. Horne· Financial Supporters (cont.)· 19· Kenzie & Christopher Hughes· Mary & Bill Hughes· Kathy Ionson· Cathy Jakicic· Beverly L. Johnson· Mary Ellen Johnson· Patricia Jorgensen· Rhonda Joyner· Kathy Ionson· Cathy Jakicic· Beverly L. Johnson· Mary Ellen Johnson· Patricia Jorgensen· Rhonda Joyner· Kathie & John Karkheck· Vicki Keogh· Thom & Robyn Kieffer· Susan Kleinpell· Craig & Julie Knutson· Jonathan Koenig & Melissa LoveKoenig· David Konieczka· Dan Krass· John & Loretta Krenitsky· Lisa & Ronald Kroll· Mary & Raymond Kroll· Jeffrey & Mary Krusick· Mary Kunicki· Kristen Labovsky· Marian Lamoureux· Mike & Laura LaPlant· Bethany Leonard· Loretta & John Lieske· Nancy Lindberg· Augusto Loudon Liongson· Lee Litzau· Mary Marks· Sean & Maggie Marks· Lisa Marsolek· Leslie Martinez· David Maxwell· Claire Menck0 9 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 3

· Geraldine Mesching· Daniel Meylink· Cornelia Mihelich· Bev Molitor· John & Pat Muehl· Megan Murphy· Terri & Stephen Neil· John Oconnor· Lori Page· Chris Passe· Dennis & Rebecca Pelzek· Leon & Mary Pieschek· Bill & Mary Powell· Paul M. Pruessing· Susan Rankin· Melanie Raymond· Catherine Regner· Tyler Reid· Anna Richlen· Julie Richter· Nanette Rilling· Lisa Rispoli· Candice Rogers· Laure Ropson· Jelena Rosich· William Ruch· Sheldon & Kathryn Rusch· Mary Lang-Scheuer & JamesScheuer· Tim & Kathleen Schilz· Heidi Schnell· Peter & Jennifer Schweinert· Penny Schwid· Agastya Sharma· Ann Shurte· Thomas Siever· Dean Sievert· Roger Skerrett· Rebecca Soley· Mark Spiess· Vesna Starcevic· Cynthia Stuckey· Stephen Tajnai· Chris Thomas· Veronica Thomas· Michael Thurston· Judith K. Tolkan· Cara Torres· Tim & Lisa Utecht· Ramona Veil· Davide Villa & Valerie Mascitti· Mary Voght· Catherine Way & Edward Ramthun· Carriette Weddle· Don & Kristine Weltzien· Nathan Wesselowski· Greg West· Mary Beth Whalen· Marilee Wieber· Natalie Wikstrom & Mike Jacobs· Jeffrey Williams· Phyllis Marie Wiggins· Ralph Wilberg· Heidi & Jon Wylie1 0 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 3

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT (4/1/2022-3/31/2023)Mezzo Forte ($100 - $249)· Anonymous (4)· Marcia Anderson· Lynne Ausman & David Croll· Arthur & Anne Brooks· Mary Cannon· Cecile Cheng· Catherine & Mario Costantini· Julie & Peter Craig· Pat & Phil Crump· Sue C. D’Alessio· Simon Dao· Rachel M. Dees· John & Terri Devine· Don & Martha Dobbs· Barbara Drake· Mark & Mary Drow· Emily Fox· Alex Freund· Josefina Sevilla-Gardinier· Irma Gentile· Robert Gentile· Jim Gramentine· Michael Grebe· John Gurda & Sonja Nelson-Gurda· Ann Hains· Dave & Judy Hecker· 18· Kathryn Hofman· Terese Jackson· Julie & John Karnes· Karri L. Fritz-Klaus· Geoffrey Kroening· Tim & Lindsay Lamm· Kathy Lake· Dale & Barbara Lenz· Tim & Jenny Leszczynski· Lynne & Thomas Lindemann· Katie Lott· Renata Luczkowska· Todd & Sarah Lundquist· Barbara Lyons· Chelsea & Steve Matson· Sibyl McCarley & Brian Frailing· Rita T. McDonald· Lisa Meyer· Katherine & Oliver Moss· Christopher Mullen· David Nelson & Lynne Shaner· Stephanie Netzel· Debbie Rakestraw· Jessica Rauh· Kay Richardson· Nancy J. Romine· Kate & Steve Schmitt· Jill Shearer & Michael Julian· Delbert Slowik· Dr. & Mrs. John Snyder· Binette H. Solomon· Philip Starr· Lora & Gregg Sunder· Tom & Mary Thiele· David Tolan· Julie Tolan & Mark Wiesman· Aaron & Neha Towns· Kathryn Walters· Tina & Scott Weiss· Janet Wilgus· Ruth Williams & Carl Stehling· Kevin Willoughby· Brad & Michelle Wilkins· Bob Wrenn & Margaret Hickey1 1 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 3

1 2 | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 2 3Join Us in Creating Musical ExcellenceAt Bel Canto Chorus, we believe in the transformative power of choral music tounite and inspire communities. Your generous support enables us to continuedelivering world-class performances and enriching the cultural fabric of theGreater Milwaukee area.Ways to Support:Donate: Your contributions help sustain our artistic endeavors andcommunity outreach programs. Volunteer: Share your time and skills to assist in our events and operations. Attend Our Gala: Join us for an evening of music and celebration,supporting our mission.Artistic Staff:Jon Laabs, Artistic Directorjlaabs@belcanto.org Rebecca Renee Winnie, Senior SingersConductor - Mequon and New Berlinrwinnie@belcanto.orgElna Hickson, Senior Singers AccompanistAndrea Goetzinger & Kay Richardson Senior Singers Program Administrative Staff:Kai Simone, Managing Directorksimone@belcanto.org Danielle Bridges, Operations Managerdbridges@belcanto.orgTheodore Molinari, PresidentMarcia Schwager, SecretaryThayer Fisher, TreasurerEllen FultonSarah PaulStephen Ragatz, Chorus RepresentativeNina JohnstonTom ThieleMichelle KlotzMeredith MarineZach WallenbrinkJacob WolterBoard of Directors:Staff: