Who We Are

The Bach Chamber Choir’s goal is to preserve and promote the art of fine choral chamber music in the greater Milwaukee area.

The group consists of amateur, student and professional musicians who present concerts throughout the season. The singers audition in order to become part of the ensemble.

Our director and accompanist are professional musicians and are our only paid staff members. Brian McLinden has been our director since 1993. Jayne Latva, our accompanist, has been with us since 2005.

Currently, our main source of income is ticket sales. A variety of other fundraising functions such as raffles and auctions supplement our income from ticket sales, as well as performances at holiday parties, masses, weddings and other functions outside of the concert venue. Private contributions are also an important source of income. All revenue generated goes directly to the support of the choir. We keep our advertising and promotional expenses to a minimum, and volunteers handle all our administrative work.

The Board of Directors works with the Music Director to set the general artistic direction of the ensemble. The Board provides the organizational and financial direction for the ensemble, as well.

The Director: BRIAN McLINDEN

Brian McLinden, originally from Ohio, received his undergraduate degree in Music from the University of Notre Dame, concentrating on music theory. Remaining at Notre Dame, he received his Master's degree in vocal performance, studying voice with Walter Ginter and Patrick Maloney, CSC.

Throughout his undergraduate and graduate studies, he pursued his love for conducting under the tutelage of David Clarke Isele, Walter Ginter, Carl Stam, and Douglas Belland. During this time he held the positions of Assistant to the Director of Choral Studies and Student Director of the Notre Dame Glee Club and Notre Dame Chorale. Numerous workshops and clinics allowed him the opportunity to work with Dr. Lara Hoggard, Robert Shaw, Robert Page, and John Nelson.

His exposure to the choral repertoire was greatly enhanced by his experience as a member of the Park Forest Singers, the Canton Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and the Bel Canto Chorus of Milwaukee. Mr. McLinden believes this invaluable experience allows him to approach conducting with a greater understanding of the needs of the choral singer. In addition to his duties with the Bach Chamber Choir, Brian is Associate Lecturer of Music at UW-Waukesha where he teaches Music History, Music Appreciation, Voice, and is Director of the UW-Waukesha Choir. Brian is also the current director of the adult choir at St. Mary’s Parish in Elm Grove.