09/05/2026
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of one of the Milwaukee arts scene's beloved friends, Dan Petry. Dan served as managing director of Present Music from 1989 to 1997. He served in marketing and financial development positions with the Florentine Opera, Early Music Now, the UW-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts, and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. He was instrumental in the Grand Future campaign to restore the Warner Grand Theater into the Bradley Symphony Center. His love for music was boundless. His work touched so many in the community, and he will be greatly missed.
Recently, Milwaukee lost a performing arts trailblazer in Daniel Petry.
Dan was, to many, one of the most prominent faces of Present Music, as its Managing Director in the 90s and its Development Director for last 4 years. His work and impact extended well beyond Present Music with groups like the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Florentine Opera, the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, and UWM’s Peck School of the Arts, to name a few.
UPAF and Dan have known each other well as he offered his talents to the performing arts throughout these roles. Many have already remarked on his talent for fundraising, for finding the connection between art and what brings the art to the audience. And of course his passion for music was unmatched. But to quote UPAF President and CEO, Annemarie Scobey-Polacheck, as she broke to the news to UPAF staff this week: “Dan exuded kindness above all.”
His kindness was his calling card – we all loved to see his smiling face at a UPAF event, when he dropped off brochures in the office, or when we simply bumped into him in the community. We will miss his joy, and the bright shining light he brought to the music lovers of all types in Milwaukee.
