The Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra (MFSO), was formerly known as the Milwaukee Catholic Symphony Orchestra from 1942 to 1998. It brings to the community a sixty-nine year tradition of quality music making. This tradition continues through the effort, support and dedication put forth by Robert Steliga, President of the Menomonee Falls Family Festival Corp., who was instrumental in bringing the orchestra to the Menomonee Falls Community. The MFSO uses the HAMILTON FINE ARTS CENTER in SUSSEX, WI as its home venue. The objective of the Orchestra is to promote appreciation of classical symphonic music for audiences and playing musicians. MFSO also provides an opportunity for young artists and professional soloists to appear in concert with symphonic accompaniment. Membership in this community orchestra is open to all capable adults. Auditions are held in September or by appointment.
MFSO Music Director
The Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors and Search Committee are pleased to announce the appointment of Alexander (Sascha) Mandl, D.M.A. as our new Music Director. Dr. Mandl will begin a three-year term, becoming the fourth director to preside over the MFSO (formerly Milwaukee Catholic Symphony Orchestra – MCSO).
Dr. Mandl (Sasha), brings to the MFSO a broad professional experience, expertise and versatility as a conductor, instrumentalist and educator. Sascha brings enthusiasm, artistic and creative ideas that will help grow the MFSO to a new chapter of its history.
A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University (Andrew Carnegie Scholar, B.F.A.), Yale University (Miles Prize, the Alumni Prize and a Francis G. Wickes Scholarship winner, M.M. and A.D.), and the University of Wisconsin (Ivan Galamian Award, D.M.A.), Dr. Mandl performs regularly across the globe as soloist, chamber musician, recitalist and conductor. He is a founding member of the critically aclaimed Philomusica Quartet, resident at the Wisconsin Wisconsin Lutheran College. A familiar face as a jury member at competitions, and as clinician, he frequently conducts Masterclasses worldwide. In addition, Mandl is also board president, violinist and conductor with Milwaukee Musaik (Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra).
Concert Mistress Bio
Shannon Iler has been playing the violin for the past 23 years and studies with Jeanyi Kim. Shannon subs with various orchestras, including the Wisconsin Philharmonic and Festival City Symphony. She has performed as concertmaster with the Milwaukee Summer Philharmonia and on faculty concerts for Elm City ChamberFest. She has also soloed with the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra In 2011 playing the Dvorak concerto. Shannon is a Certified Public Accountant and worked in mutual fund accounting for seven years. She graduated from Thomas Edison State College with a Bachelor of Science in business and accounting, and from WCTC with her Financial Planner Certification. Shannon is Suzuki teacher training certified and has a private violin studio. She loves spending time with her husband Brandon and her two daughters.