About Chant Claire

Chant Claire | French for “clear song” | is a Milwaukee-based, auditioned choral ensemble dedicated to “creating authentic music in an authentic community.” Founded in 2013 by Artistic Director Benjamin Bedroske, the ensemble now brings together approximately 80 volunteer members with diverse musical backgrounds.

Chant Claire aims to combine the power and resonance of a large choir with the clarity and precision of a chamber ensemble, exploring rigorous and thoughtful repertoire that challenges its singers while introducing audiences to lesser-known works, composers, cultures, and musical traditions.

Through adventurous programming, artistic collaboration, and a shared commitment to musical excellence, Chant Claire continues to enrich Milwaukee’s cultural landscape while creating meaningful opportunities for singers and audiences to experience the power of choral music.

Collaborations

Chant Claire has collaborated with numerous regional arts organizations, including the William Baker Festival Singers, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Danceworks, Aperi, Skylight Music Theatre, Marion Consort, Alverno College Choir, Milwaukee Children’s Choir, the Philharmonic Chorus of Madison, and UW–Eau Claire Concert Choir.

In 2017, Chant Claire was selected to participate in a workshop with composer Eric Whitacre at the Basilica of St. Josaphat. In 2019, the ensemble returned to the Basilica as the featured choir for the American Guild of Organists Milwaukee Chapter’s 100th Anniversary Regional Convention.

Not only are we striving to create some of Milwaukee’s greatest choral performances, we challenge the group to grow in deeper relationships through our music.

Here is how some of our choir members describe their experience:

A community that works to support each other (not only musically, working towards a common obvious goal) but also in life! The group is energetic, welcoming, accepting, helpful, friendly, creative, hilarious, hard-working, inspiring. - Danielle, soprano

Our community: like-minded individuals together to make music and to share with the rest of the community the power and message through the human singing  voice. - Veronica, alto

2022 Concert Photography | Donna Miller Photography