Family and Friends of Henri Pensis

The Maestro Henri Pensis Award was established in 1996, in honor of Professor Pensis. Henri Pensis (1927-2018) accepted a position at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh as Music Professor and Conductor of the University Orchestra in 1965. He served in that role for 30 years until his retirement in 1995. Two years after starting at UW Oshkosh, he became Music Director and Conductor of the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra, a role he served in for 28 years, developing the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra into a highly regarded regional orchestra that presented a large repertoire of music and hosted many internationally renowned soloists.

Henri was a member of the American Symphony League and the Association of Wisconsin Symphony Orchestras (AWSO). He served on the AWSO’s executive committee and as its president. They honored him with the Outstanding Service Award in 2002. Henri received numerous other honors and awards throughout his career, including the Key to the City of Oshkosh in 1976, a Certificate of Appreciation from the United States Ambassador to Luxembourg in 1976, a certificate of commendation from the Governor of Wisconsin and Henri B. Pensis Day declared in his honor in 1988, recognized by the Oshkosh Northwestern as an Influential Citizen in 1993, and Maestro Pensis Week proclaimed in his honor in 1996 for his contributions to music in Wisconsin.

Originally from Luxembourg, Henri and his family emigrated to the U.S. in 1940. Henri was drafted into the United States Army and was a member of the Army Band. After the war, he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1950 and his master’s degree in music in 1951 from Northwestern University.