This gift was made in anticipation of the upcoming Sound of the City campaign focused on the Des Moines Symphony & Academy bringing more live music and music education to a growing and diverse community.

Beginning in the summer of 2019, the Des Moines Symphony will offer a yearly series of free outdoor concerts at the newly constructed Water Works Park amphitheater. These concerts, along with the Symphony’s Annual Yankee Doodle Pops Concert, are free to attend and are central to the Symphony’s mission to enrich and inspire the community through great music. The Symphony will open the inaugural Water Works Pops Season on Sunday, July 14.

“Tom and I love the idea of contributing to the evolution of Water Works Park, helping it become yet another cultural attraction in Central Iowa,” said Linda Koehn. “It’s always been our belief that Des Moines is a fantastic place to live, work and play. These free concerts will be an additional way for everyone in the area to experience what our city has to offer and introduce the great music of the Des Moines Symphony to new audiences. Just as Yankee Doodle Pops has become a summer staple in Des Moines, it is our hope Water Works Pops will become a tradition as well.”

“We are honored by Tom and Linda’s extraordinary generosity. Their vision for Water Works Pops helps ensure people from all across our community have the opportunity to gather with friends and family to experience a live Des Moines Symphony concert,” said Richard Early, Executive Director of the Des Moines Symphony. “This new, free series demonstrates the Symphony’s role as a catalyst for creativity and connection throughout our region and our focus on helping build a vibrant future for our community.”

THE DES MOINES SYMPHONY’S WATER WORKS POPS, PRESENTED BY LINDA AND TOM KOEHN

RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY AT WATER WORKS POPS
Sun Jul 14, 2019 7:30PM
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.

A JOHN WILLIAMS SPECTACULAR
Sun Jul 28, 2019 7:30PM
Enjoy a thrilling evening of music and movies as the Orchestra 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.