|
James A. Schatzman
Founder, Conductor and Artistic Director
 Versatility, one of Maestro Schatzman’s most respected qualities, has been the hallmark of the CAS’s programming from the beginning. Equally at home in the concert hall or the theater, Mr. Schatzman has led and prepared the chorus to perform masterworks of the classical repertoire and musical theater. In this, the CAS’s twentieth anniversary season, he has led this ensemble in performances with the Racine Symphony Orchestra and developed a repertoire that includes many of the world’s finest works.
Bringing premieres and lesser known works to our audience is also a passion of Maestro Schatzman. Maestro Schatzman and the CAS are committed to bringing you new works by living American composers, of both local and national stature. 2006 featured works by composers with a great variety of styles
Maestro Schatzman is deeply committed to educational outreach and support of youth in our community. Two outreach programs, What’s In A Song and Meet The Composer, have been part of the ongoing life of the CAS and the community were led by his initiative and ideas.
Maestro Schatzman further extended his commitment to area youth by founding and conducting the Kiwanis Chamber Singers. The Chamber Singers is a high school-aged choir sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Racine and is in their seventh season. The Chamber Singers have been frequent guests of the CAS. The choir is a frequent musical guest at regional, national and international conventions. The Kiwanis Youth Choir, an elementary and middle school ensemble led by a member of the CAS, has also been frequent guests with the CAS, and can be heard on our compact disc Carols for Christmas III.
Mr. Schatzman also leads the liturgical music program at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Racine, where he in his 24th year as choir director.
After receiving his education at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, he has continued his studies with William Weinert of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, Margaret Hillis of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, and Philip Brunelle of the Plymouth Music Series in Minneapolis.
Maestro Schatzman is a lifelong Racine resident where he lives with his wife of 32 years, JaneMarie, and his four sons, Stephen, Luke, Gabriel, and Christopher. He is also founder and Executive Director of Racine Vocational Ministry, an interdenominational job and training service.
|
