Love Always Grant Expands WPR Music Program Statewide

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 11:05am CT

Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR)

Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) will expand its Classical Music Day initiative across the state after receiving a $100,000 grant from the Love Always Foundation.

The grant, awarded to the Wisconsin Public Radio Association, will support the growth of the program from its original base in Milwaukee into a statewide performing arts and arts education initiative designed to highlight student musicians and connect their performances with audiences throughout Wisconsin.

Funding will enable each of WPR's regional bureaus in Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, Eau Claire, Superior and Wausau to host its own Classical Music Day event. The events will be developed in partnership with local educators, arts organizations and community groups, with the goal of celebrating emerging musical talent while reflecting the unique cultural character of each region.

All Classical Music Day events will be free and open to the public, ensuring broad access for students, families and community members. Organizers say the initiative will strengthen local arts ecosystems by bringing together student performers, educators and audiences in shared community spaces.

Originally launched in Milwaukee, Classical Music Day brings student musicians from schools, youth ensembles and community organizations together to perform in professional concert settings. As part of the expanded program, middle and high school students will also be invited to attend educational presentations by artists featured in PBS Wisconsin Education's "Re/sound: Songs of Wisconsin" multimedia collection, which explores the state's diverse musical traditions through artist stories and curriculum-based resources.

Participants will receive take-home educational materials designed to deepen their understanding of the relationship between music, culture, history and community identity.

Wisconsin Public Radio and PBS Wisconsin are services of UW-Madison's Wisconsin Public Media division and the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.