Some History Behind the Fred and JoAnn Portz Community Concert
For over 40 years, the Waukesha Choral Union has had the pleasure of presenting the Fred & JoAnn Portz Community Concert series. The tradition began with our annual performance of Handel's Messiah at Carroll University and, over time, the event evolved to include other major works, such as Haydn's Creation, Brahms's Requiem, and Faure's Requiem. These large-scale works feature choir, orchestra, and soloists.
The choir includes both Waukesha Choral Union members and volunteer community singers. Anyone in the community wishing to participate is welcome with no audition or dues required. And—no ticket fees are charged for admission to the concert!
This concert series is truly a work of community, from the volunteer singers who join forces with the WCU to the generous support of local businesses, foundations, and benefactors who make the event possible. Before their passing, former WCU singers Fred and JoAnn Portz played a vital role in funding this endeavor, helping ensure its lasting legacy in the Waukesha area.
Year after year, we are honored to share a high-quality artistic experience with our community, celebrating the joy of music and ensuring that the arts remain accessible to all.
A Tribute to The Portz Family...
JoAnn passed away on July 13, 2013, preceded in death on September 3, 2010, by her husband, Fred. The Waukesha couple played an integral role in Waukesha Choral Union’s artistic and financial success. In fact, it is because of their generosity that you are able to enjoy this gift to the community year after year. Please learn more about this wonderful gift from an extraordinary couple as described by Tom Custis, WCU’s former president:
The Couple Behind “Handel’s Messiah” and “Creation”
In the early years of the Waukesha Choral Union, an idea was hatched to put on a community concert. The chorus was to perform “Handel’s Messiah” and admission would be free. Artistically, it would be desirable to have professional soloists, as well as professional orchestral accompaniment.
But that would take money. Fred Portz, an erstwhile bass in the chorus, quickly became its champion. He personally accepted responsibility for providing and raising funds to make this happen. Early on, the tradition was expanded to include an invitation to all singers within the community to join in the uplifting experience of performing this wonderful work. Many years later, in order to provide some variety, it was decided that “Haydn’s Creation” could be performed as an alternative.
Throughout, the traditions of free admission, inclusion of community singers, and presentation at the highest artistic level were continued; and Fred’s support never faltered. Fred’s wife, JoAnn, was also in the Choral Union, and joined Fred in the active support of this annual project. When Fred passed away, JoAnn continued supporting the project with her voice and her financial support.
It is no overstatement to say that we would not be here today enjoying one of the world’s great musical accomplishments, were it not for Fred and JoAnn Portz. It is for that reason that the Board of Directors of the Waukesha Choral Union has voted to designate this annual event the Fred and JoAnn Portz Community Concert. We hope that you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoy performing it; all with the fondest of memories of our friends Fred and JoAnn.
Tom Custis
Waukesha Choral Union President, 2007 - 2013