Des Moines Symphony News

Meet Amaryn Olmeda 04/08/2026 In Symphony News

Join us for a spectacular Season Finale, as it explodes with Richard Strauss and his monumental storytelling. The Symphony’s powerful brass section is on display, from the composer’s Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare to the cinematic grandeur of his Alpine Symphony featuring 34 brass players. Amaryn Olmeda returns to Des Moines for Mendelssohn’s beautifully melodic Violin Concerto. Read more about her before attending the performances on May 9 and 10, 2026 at the Des Moines Civic Center!

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How Professional Orchestral Music Inspires Connection, Belonging and Joy 04/06/2026 In Symphony News

Professional orchestral music creates a powerful shared experience that fosters connection, belonging, and joy. Live performances engage both the senses and emotions in ways recordings cannot—through the energy of musicians, the presence of a conductor, and the physical vibrations of sound. These moments unite audiences, allowing even first-time listeners to feel part of something meaningful.

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Donor Spotlight: Denman & Company 04/05/2026 In Symphony News

Denman & Company is generously supporting the Des Moines Symphony's Masterworks 6: Hope – Copland & Gershwin in April, 2026. Learn more about this company doing good in our community!

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Donor Spotlight: Meier Bernstein Foundation 04/02/2026 In Symphony News

For decades, the Meier Bernstein Foundation has played a leading role in the arts and culture scene throughout Des Moines. Read on to learn how their support continues to inspire the community today.

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Courage – Alpine Symphony Program Notes 03/30/2026 In Symphony News

Read about the music and composers featured in our season finale, Courage – Alpine Symphony on May 9 & 10, 2026.

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Hope – Copland & Gershwin Program Notes 03/04/2026 In Symphony News

Read about the music and composers featured in Hope – Copland & Gershwin on April 18 & 19, 2026.

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Des Moines Symphony's Fourth Annual Fred & Charlotte Hubbell Visiting Artist In Residence Program 03/01/2026 In Symphony News

The Fred & Charlotte Hubbell Visiting Artist in Residence Program brings outstanding national and international musicians to Des Moines for an annual residency. Read about our 2025-2026 Artist In Residence, Stella Chen, and her week of activities.

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Des Moines Symphony Youth Concerts to impact nearly 6,000 school children 02/27/2026 In Symphony News

A core part of our mission is to "create outstanding educational opportunities." Each spring, we invite fourth graders from all over Central Iowa to hear the Orchestra perform at the Civic Center in four special performances over the course of two days.

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Meet Stella Chen 02/02/2026 In Symphony News

Join us for an unforgettable weekend of musical storytelling as Stella Chen makes her debut in Beethoven’s radiant and lyrical Violin Concerto. Mozart’s beloved “Prague” Symphony follows, dazzling with bold orchestration inspired by the composer’s deep affection for the city. The concert concludes with the sweeping beauty of Smetana’s The Moldau from Má vlast, carrying listeners on a vivid musical journey along the Vltava River, from the heart of Prague into the rolling Czech countryside. Read more about her before attending the performances on March 14 and 15, 2026 at the Des Moines Civic Center!

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Reflection – Smetana & Beethoven Program Notes 02/02/2026 In Symphony News

Read about the music and composers featured in Reflection – Smetana & Beethoven on March 14 & 15, 2026.

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Des Moines Symphony News

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