Music at the Cathedral

Ensembles & Cantors

The Cathedral Choir
The Cathedral Choir provides musical leadership primarily at the 11:00 AM Sunday Mass (mid September through mid June), Christmas and Holy Week and at other special services throughout the year. The choir made up of some 18-25 singers, provides a wide range of liturgical choral music of all periods of the church's tradition from Gregorian chant through the 20th century. The choir also sings an annual Advent Lessons and Carols during Advent. Membership in the Cathedral Choir is open to singers through audition. Though previous choral experience is not required, it is helpful. The ability to read music is very helpful and desirable. Contact Michael Batcho, Director of Music for more information or to audition.

Cathedral Women's Choir
The Cathedral Women's Choir provides musical leadership primarily at the 5:15 PM Liturgy on the fourth Saturday of the month (mid September through the end of May). The choir provides a wide range of liturgical choral music of all periods of the church's tradition. Membership in the Women's Ensemble is open to all singers. Though previous choral experience is not required, it is helpful. The ability to read music is very helpful and desirable. Contact Michael Batcho, Director of Music for more information or to audition.

The Cathedral Chorale
The Cathedral Chorale is an all-volunteer ensemble of the Cathedral dedicated to performing a major sacred work in a concert setting. Singers are drawn from the greater Milwaukee community and vary in their musical background. They make an eight week commitment to rehearsals and performance.   Past works have included Vierne: Messe Solenelle, Ferko: Psalm-Cantata, Bernstein: Chicester Psalms, Lauridsen: Lux aeterna and Haydn: Mass in Time of War, Mozart: Mass in c-minor, KV 427, Rachmaninoff: All-Night Vigil, Bach: Magnificat, and Rutter: Requiem. For more information or to schedule an audition, contact Michael Batcho, Director of Music.

Cathedral Men's Choir
The Cathedral Men’s Choir provides musical leadership primarily at the 9:30 AM Mass on the second Sunday of the month from September through June. The choir provides a wide range of liturgical choral music from all periods of the Church’s tradition, with a special focus on Gregorian chant and unaccompanied singing. Membership is open to all interested singers. Though previous choral experience is not required, it is helpful. Rehearsals are generally on Thursday nights twice a month according to the schedule listed elsewhere on this page. Contact Scott Eakins, director, for more information.

Cathedral Handbell Ensemble
The Cathedral Handbell Ensemble enhances the music of the Cathedral liturgies with their unique sound. The Ensemble rings at the 9:30 AM Sunday liturgy and joins the other parish choirs for Advent Lessons and Carols and Holy Week Liturgies.  It is most helpful if prospective ringers have music reading skills in either the treble or bass clef. Rehearsals are held in the early evening usually from 5:45 PM until 7:00 PM. Participation is open to all members of the Archdiocese. For more information or to join this ensemble, contact Sallyanne Hassert, Cathedral Handbell Ensemble Director.

The Choristers of St. Francis Xavier
The Choristers of St. Francis Xavier is the Cathedral’s Children's Choir. Membership is open to young singers from the parish and the Archdiocese in grades 3 through 8. Choristers rehearse three Saturdays of the month, 3:15PM to 4:45PM and provide musical leadership at either the Saturday 5:15PM mass or the Sunday 9:30AM mass once each month, September through May. The Choristers sing a wide variety of choral music representing all periods of the church's tradition. Music from Gregorian chant through the 20th century is included in their curriculum. They often accompany their songs with bells, xylophones, glockenspiels and other small percussion instruments adding to their enjoyment of the rehearsals and performances.  For more information, contact Sallyanne Hassert. For detailed information follow see their page.

Cathedral Cantors
Cathedral Cantors assist the congregation during Cathedral Liturgies & Weddings. Cantors are trained singers and must be able to read music. Contact Michael Batcho, Director of Music for more information or to audition.