Maestro
Productions, Inc.
Mark
Bloedow founded Maestro Productions, Inc. in Oshkosh, Wisconsin,
in 1989. The organization, a 501c(3) non-profit, is an ecumenical
performing arts organization dedicated to excellence in community
performing arts. From its inception to 2001 the organization focused
on major stage productions at Christmas and Easter featuring the
Maestro Chorus and drama cast, beautiful hand-crafted costumes,
inspirational musical selections, andcreative scenery, lighting,
and staging effects. The most successful undertaking in this regard
was the beloved sacred passion play held at venues throughout
Northeastern Wisconsin including Appleton, Oshkosh, Green Bay,
and Green Lake. 
The
first Passion Play was held in Oshkosh in 1991 at the Grand Opera
House using David Danner's "And Still He Made the Sunrise"
with adaptation and staging by Maestro Productions. The play,
known under such titles as "Journey to the Cross," "Near
the Cross," and "Remember Me", received wide acclaim
from the motorcoach industry--often playing to large audiences
in churches and theaters. The photo at the right is from Passion
Play 2001,"Journey to the Cross," held at Xavier Fine
Arts Center, Appleton, WI.
In
the years following 2001, the organization transitioned with its
director to Madison, Wisconsin. Although large scale productions
in the Maestro tradition have not been offered recently, the organization
has continued to support projects associated with its mission.
Most notably, the "Her Song Goes On" project focused
on developing and sharing the creative musical works of composer
Borghild Schoberg Jacobson.
Mark Bloedow and Borghild's husband Harvey Jacobson launched a
major iniative in 2003 to gather the network of persons interested
in Borghild's work and offer for use a packet of seven hymns written
by Borghild and published by Maestro Productions. In January of
2005 a major hymn festival (see photo at right) was held in Oshkosh,
Wisconsin, to celebrate Borghild's musical works--the program
included the seven hymns from the packet and various other works
for vocalists, choir, and congregation.
Recently
the organization has re-established a Fox Cities branch to begin
the process of relaunching its performing ensembles and productions.
The group's Fox Cities Regional Handbell Ensemble gave a "Bells
of Christmas" concert in Neenah, Wisconsin, in December 2007.
Please visit www.maestroproductions.org for updates.
During
the months ahead the Maestro Board and leadership look forward
to developing new and exciting ensembles and programming reflecting
the organization's tradition of high quality inspiriational productions.
Hallmarks of the Maestro experience continue to be uplifting productions
for audiences and positive team-oriented relationships and opportunties
among participants. Although not affliated with a church denomination,
the organization embraces an ecumenical spirit.