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2025 RECIPIENTS

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC

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Timothy Klabunde has deep roots in Milwaukee and

has benefited from and built up its cherished institutions.  After 44 years, Timothy retired from the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra where he...READ MORE

TIMOTHY KLABUNDE

DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN

Professional in the Arts

Zack-Durlam-Headshot.jpeg

Dr. Zack Durlam serves as Director of Choral Activities at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, artistic director of the Master Singers of Milwaukee, and choir director at Grace Lutheran Church in Grafton, Wisconsin. At UWM, Durlam leads...READ MORE 

ZACHARY DURLAM

We are pleased to announce these wonderful musicians as the 2025 recipients!

The CITIZEN AWARDS will be presented and honored at the next LIVE at the IVY event, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. 

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Mark your calendars and look for more information soon!   

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC

03-Tim Klabunde photo.jpg

TIMOTHY KLABUNDE

Timothy Klabunde has deep roots in Milwaukee and has benefited from and built up its cherished institutions.  After 44 years, Timothy retired from the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra where he served in both violin sections and finally as Assistant Principal Second Violinist.  He began his fulltime employment there at the age of 23.

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But his life and interest in music began in Milwaukee.  Timothy was born in Milwaukee and attended Milwaukee Public Schools.  He played violin at Wilbur Wright Middle School and later Washington High School.  These experiences led to Timothy participating in Music for Youth (now MYSO) throughout both middle and high school.  He began private studies with Raymond Albright. He then studied violin under Leonard Sorkin, Abram Loft and chamber music with Bernard Zaslav and George Sopkin, members of the Fine Arts Quartet at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. At 20 years old, Timothy began playing as an extra/substitute violinist with the MSO.

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As his long tenure suggests, Timothy's connections with the community have been enduring.   Timothy was a soloist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra, served as Concertmaster for the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, and played in the Civic Orchestra and Sinfonia Concertante.  He was a member of the Prometheus Trio at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, performed on WPR, WFMT broadcasts and at the Washington Island Music Festival.

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As a student, he performed at the Festival de Belles Artes in San Miguel, Mexico and at the International String Quartet Competition in Evian, France.   Later, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra allowed Timothy to share his talents with the world including Japan, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, England and Cuba. 

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Timothy has long taught and mentored aspiring violin students and served as judge for student competitions. He has served as an adjunct instructor at Cardinal Stritch University and as a sonata partner for Piano Arts competitions. He coaches chamber music groups at area high schools and performs sacred music at the St. Josaphat Basilica and St. Stanislaus. 

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Throughout his life and career, Timothy has served the community by providing the gift of music, as well as offering a helping hand to the next generation of great Milwaukee musicians.  In retirement, his work will continue directly and indirectly through the many students and institutions he has elevated throughout the city.

Durlam

DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN - Professional in the Arts

Zack-Durlam-Headshot.jpeg

ZACHARY DURLAM

Dr. Zack Durlam serves as Director of Choral Activities at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, artistic director of the Master Singers of Milwaukee, and choir director at Grace Lutheran Church in Grafton, Wisconsin. At UWM, Durlam leads multiple choirs and teaches graduate and undergraduate conducting and choral literature. He previously taught at Fresno Pacific University where his Concert Choir performed at the California Music Educators Association Conference and he was awarded the university’s Faculty Distinguished Service Award.  Prior to that, Durlam taught high school vocal music for twelve years – including nine at Iowa City West where his Chamber Choir was chosen to perform at the North Central American Choral Directors Association (NCACDA) conference and the music department was one of seven programs in the nation named a Gold Signature School by the Grammy Foundation. Durlam was awarded 3rd place in the college/university division of the 2019 American Prize for Choral Conducting, and the UWM Concert Chorale and UWM combined choirs and orchestra were named national finalists in the same competition. The UWM Concert Chorale under his direction has been featured at the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association (WCDA) and Wisconsin Music Educators Association state conferences and the 2020 ten-state Midwestern ACDA conference. In fall of 2021 they performed with Andrea Bocelli during the Milwaukee stop of his “Believe” tour, and in 2015 they performed with the Rolling Stones at Milwaukee’s Summerfest. Durlam has presented at state and regional conferences of ACDA and the National Association for Music Educators, and he frequently works as a guest conductor, clinician, and presenter. Durlam currently serves as past president of WCDA.

Klabunde

CIVIC MUSIC MKE supports music education and provides
performance opportunities to young musicians in the Greater Milwaukee area. 

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