We want to invite you to join us for a Master Class with violinist Philippe Quint on Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 10:00am – 12:00pm. This Master Class will take place at the Des Moines Civic Center, located at 221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.
This Master Class is open to the public and free to attend and is being presented as part of the Des Moines Symphony Academy’s Cowles Collaborative Artist Program.
Musicians performing on this Master Class will be:
Rachel Li
Wieniawski Legende
Ms. Li is a senior at Valley High School and a student of John Helmich at the Symphony Academy
Amelia Dixon
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E Minor, Allegro molto vivace
Ms. Dixon is a freshman at Iowa State University and a student of Borivoj Martinic-Jercic
Mr. Quint will be featured soloist with the Des Moines Symphony for our Season Finale: West Side Story Masterworks Concert on Sat May 18 and Sun May 19, performing Korngold’s Violin Concerto.
Learn more about violinist Philippe Quint.
Join us for a recital featuring piano students of John Helmich. This recital is open to the public and free to attend.
Join us for a recital featuring violin students of John Helmich. This recital is open to the public and free to attend.
Join us for a recital featuring private violin students of Madina Akhatova. This recital is open to the public and free to attend.
Join us for a thrilling evening of music and movies as the Symphony celebrates iconic composer John Williams! Bring your picnic blankets and join us for an evening of beloved film favorites, from Jaws to Star Wars and beyond, played live by the musicians of your Des Moines Symphony. Join us under the stars in in the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park for this free, family-friendly symphonic celebration.
- General Admission to the concerts will be free and open to the public; concert attendees are welcome to bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs, and can purchase food and drinks from an array of vendors at the concert.
- Join the Water Works Pops VIP Club! The Water Works VIP Club is the easiest, most comfortable option at Water Works Park offering premium general admission seating near the front of the Lauridsen Amphitheater along with light snacks, drink voucher, and more.
- Elevate your experience! Upgrade to a Patron Package for additional benefits including a catered dinner, early access to seating, and reserved parking.
Celebrate under the stars as the Symphony kicks off its free outdoor concert series with Renée Elise Goldsberry! This Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway star originated the role of Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton; now, she lends her incredible voice to a glittering evening of Broadway, pop and soul in the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park. Don’t miss your shot to hear this Hamilton star live with the Des Moines Symphony!
- General Admission to the concerts will be free and open to the public; concert attendees are welcome to bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs, and can purchase food and drinks from an array of vendors at the concert.
- Join the Water Works Pops VIP Club! The Water Works VIP Club is the easiest, most comfortable option at Water Works Park offering premium general admission seating near the front of the Lauridsen Amphitheater along with light snacks, drink voucher, and more.
- Elevate your experience! Upgrade to a Patron Package for additional benefits including a catered dinner, early access to seating, and reserved parking.
Join us for a recital featuring cellist and Symphony Academy Faculty member Yoo-Jung Chang and pianist Hee Jeong Kim in an evening of music by Moszkowski, Cassado and Rachmaninoff. This recital is free to attend and open to the public.
Chang and Kim Recital Poster Wed May 1, 2019
The Des Moines Symphony & Academy is excited to welcome audiences to its first sensory-friendly concert, Little Johnny & Papa Haydn.
This sensory-friendly concert will tell a story of the most famous movie composer of our time, John Williams, and the “father of string quartets,” Joseph Haydn. Their stories come together in an original concert that will dazzle the imagination through imagery, narration, and music, featuring a string quartet made up of Des Moines Symphony musicians.
Sensory-friendly concerts are designed for audiences of all ages and abilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities. These concerts take place in a relaxed concert atmosphere where audience members are welcome to be who they are and enjoy music together with family and friends.
Tickets: General Admission tickets are $10 and may be purchased online or at the door.
The duration of this concert is approximately 45 minutes.
Our Social Story for this concert and a pictorial schedule are both available for download below. These materials will help you to understand what you can expect at this concert.
Little Johnny & Papa Haydn Pre-Visit Story (pdf)
Pictorial Schedule (pdf)
Before the Concert: Join us at 2:00 in the Recital Hall for an open house featuring Des Moines-area organizations who offer sensory-friendly opportunities, including:
Volunteer: Please visit our SignUp page to volunteer at this concert on our accessibility team as a “Concert Buddy.” Previous training and/or experience with Autism Spectrum Disorder is preferred, but not required.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can my child bring a comfort item such as a blanket, stuffed animal, toy or fidget to the concert?
- Absolutely! We want every participant to feel comfortable and safe in this new environment.
Do I need to get the concert early?
- The concert starts at 3:00pm. You may access the concert on the 4th floor either by stairs or elevator. The elevator is fairly slow and can accommodate four people comfortably, so there may be a line to use the elevator. To help alleviate the wait time, there will be an Open House prior to the beginning of the concert featuring community partners who also provide sensory-friendly activities. We suggest that you plan to be seated in the Grand Hall 5-10 minutes before the concert starts.
Where do I park?
- There are many parking options around The Temple for Performing Arts. The easiest and closest option is street parking on either 10th or Locust, which is free on Sundays. Lot parking is also available between Starbucks and the Downtown School playground.
Can I bring snacks or drinks for my child?
Will noise-cancelling headphones be provided?
- The Des Moines Symphony will not be providing noise-cancelling headphones for this concert, but we welcome you to bring yours if needed.
Are there hand dryers in the bathroom that could startle my child?
If my child is being vocal, do I need to leave the concert?
- Not at all. We want your child to be able to experience the music and express themselves in their own way.
If my child needs to have some quiet time, is there a place we can go, and may we return to the concert?
- Yes, we will have a designated Quiet Zone with bean bag chairs, fidgets, coloring pages and blankets where guests can take a break. Please feel welcome to enjoy any of these items. You are welcome to return to the concert at any point.
Are there assigned seats with my ticket purchase?
- Tickets for this concert are general admission. We will have chairs, bean bags, and carpet squares available. Your family may sit wherever you feel most comfortable!
If I buy my ticket ahead of time and I’m unable to attend, can I get a refund?
- Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for this concert. If you prefer, you may buy your ticket at the door the day of the concert.
Who can I contact if I have more questions regarding this event?
- You may contact Amanda Drish, Manager of Community Connections at amanda@dmsymphony.org or 515-280-4000 ex 4005.
FREE ADMISSION – 21+ ONLY
Des Moines Symphony’s ReMix evenings give you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a Des Moines Symphony rehearsal. Grab a cocktail or a craft beer in the Civic Center lobby and watch as the Orchestra rehearses. Enjoy pop-up performances, mingle with musicians and enjoy happy hour at the Symphony!
This month’s theme, Bernstein & Brews, is inspired by legendary American composer, conductor, educator and musician Leonard Bernstein. Try your hand at playing the violin, viola or cello at Quartet 515’s instrument petting zoo, then grab a prop and take a Snap in our selfie station. Sample beers from Mistress Brewing, enjoy FREE Fong’s Pizza, and don’t forget to enter our “date night” prize drawing! At 7:00, head into the Symphony’s open rehearsal and get a sneak peek of this weekend’s concerts featuring Simon Estes and the Luther Nordic Choir.
Wine, mixed drinks & beer from our featured brewery available for purchase. FREE Fong’s Pizza starting at 5:30!
ReMix: Bernstein & Brews Schedule
| 5:30 |
Free pizza from Fong’s (while it lasts!)
Mistress Brewing Tap Takeover
West Lobby |
| 5:45 |
Instrument Petting Zoo featuring Quartet 515
West Lobby |
| 6:00 |
Craft Table: Coloring Contest
West Lobby |
| 6:30 |
Bernstein Bingo
West Lobby |
| 6:45 |
“Date Night” Prize Drawing
Civic Center Hall |
| 7:00 |
Des Moines Symphony Open Rehearsal
Civic Center Hall |
Project Encore is a unique collaboration between the Des Moines Symphony Academy and the Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa. Project Encore offers group violin lessons to forty children in grades K-4. This collaboration is in its fifth year and culminates in a Showcase Concert at the end of each school year.
For the second year, this concert will take place at Hiatt Middle School auditorium. The concert will consist of forty children performing in groups and solos on the violin. The Des Moines Symphony Academy is proud to celebrate the success of each student and we invite you to join us for this very special event.
Questions can be emailed to the Director of Project Encore, Amanda Drish at amanda@dmsymphony.org. This concert is free and open to the public.
We want to invite you to join us for a Master Class with violinist Philippe Quint on Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 10:00am – 12:00pm. This Master Class will take place at the Des Moines Civic Center, located at 221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.