PLEASANT PRAIRIE — Pressing the keys of the grand piano with a mix of airy lightness and robust energy, Les Stahl shares a chuckle with choir members as they prepare for Mass at St. Anne Catholic Church in Pleasant Prairie.

The man is in his element.

Stahl recently was named director of music ministry at St. Anne, and already he feels at home.

“I was meant to be here,” he said. “It was the right time and just the right place.”

An accomplished composer and musician, Stahl came to St. Anne with more than 40 years of experience as a church musician, having served as director of music and liturgy at a handful of Chicago-area Catholic churches.

The 59-year-old Libertyville, Ill., native has enjoyed a busy and varied career, having directed more than 200 plays and musicals and more than 25 operas.

His experience in theater includes the road company of the original production of “Godspell.” He’s also worked on and off Broadway as an arranger and musical director.

Stahl has taught music and theater at several private and public institutions, has presented at national conferences, and has worked in the Catholic music publishing industry.

He seems to take it all in stride.

“It’s been a big adventure,” said Stahl, of Racine.

The journey has included directing an 18-piece Chicago big band for 20 years and singing in a choir for Pope John Paul II in 1991.

When Stahl heard about the position at St. Anne, he decided to check out the church first-hand. What he found was a progressive parish actively involved with environmental issues, fair trade issues and poverty, he said. He also found a friendly church, where parishioners wear name tags and go out of their way to greet old and new members alike.

“That,” Stahl said, “is real hospitality.”

Stahl will direct the adult choir, individual cantors and musicians, as well as the children’s choir. He encourages all parishioners to participate in Mass through song.

“When people sing, the prayer is a lot better,” Stahl said.

St. Anne pastor the Rev. Don Thimm agrees. Singing has been an important element of the parish during its 11-year history, Thimm said, thanks to its first two directors of music ministry.

And Stahl already has continued that strong tradition, Thimm said, by bringing out the voices of the entire congregation.

“In Les’ short time with St. Anne, we’ve received feedback that our services have a unique vibrancy and liveliness,” Thimm said.

Thimm views Stahl as yet another gift to the St. Anne community, one that will help the parish become a better praying community, and one that arrived at the right time, he said.

“For St. Anne, he was an answer to our prayers,” Thimm said, “Far more than I had ever imagined would show up at our door.”