Posted 12:55 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, 2023
Fundraiser to honor UWL Professor Emeritus Robert Wessler
UW-La Crosse will honor Robert Wessler, a longtime supporter of local arts and an emeritus faculty member in UWL’s Music Department, with a Music Scholarship Gala Saturday, Oct. 7.
This year’s theme, “Shining Through Music,” pays homage to Wessler’s outstanding service to both UWL and countless aspiring musicians around the world.
The gala is set for 7 p.m. in Annett Recital Hall in the Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts, 333 N. 16th St.
Proceeds will support students in the UWL Music Department.
“When I think of the joy Rob Wessler has brought to countless students over his career, I can think of no more appropriate theme (than ‘Shining Through Music’),” says Associate Professor Mary Tollefson, chair of the department.
The gala features Tollefson (piano), Busya Lugovier (viola), Jonathan Wessler (organ), the UWL Choral Union conducted by Chris Hathaway and the UWL String Orchestra conducted by Martin Gaines.
The gala will also include the music of Christopher Ducasse, an accomplished composer and performer who recently completed his Master of Music degree in choral conducting from McGill University. Ducasse and Wessler met while Wessler was conducting a boys choir in Port au Prince, Haiti, from 2002 to 2019.
This year’s gala supports the Robert A. Wessler General Music Scholarship Endowment Fund, which helps provide scholarships as well professional development opportunities in the Music Department.
The suggested minimum donation is $25 per person.
Wessler’s former students are particularly encouraged to attend, and will be invited to sing with the Choral Union.