The Des Moines Symphony is honored to welcome internationally acclaimed Peruvian conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya as this season’s Lauridsen Guest Conductor, made possible through the extraordinary generosity of Nixon Lauridsen & Virginia Croskery Lauridsen.
Established in 2015, the Lauridsen Guest Conductor Series has become a vital artistic pillar of the Symphony, inviting audiences and musicians alike to experience the power of great orchestral masterworks through the distinctive voices of accomplished guest conductors. These artistic exchanges challenge, inspire, and elevate the Orchestra—strengthening our musicianship and enriching the cultural life of our community.
Maestro Harth-Bedoya will lead the Orchestra in Love – Romeo and Juliet, the fourth concert of our 2025–2026 Masterworks Series, on Saturday, February 14 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, February 15 at 2:30 PM at the Des Moines Civic Center. His dynamic artistry and global perspective promise an unforgettable musical experience.
Philanthropic leadership plays an essential role in sustaining the Des Moines Symphony’s artistic excellence and ensuring its continued growth. We extend our deepest thanks to Nix & Virginia Lauridsen for their enduring belief in the Symphony and for investing in the transformative power of live orchestral music. Their generosity makes moments like this possible—for our musicians, our audiences, and our entire community.
The Lauridsen Guest Conductor Series
Jorge Mester – 2015
Gerard Schwarz – 2016
JoAnn Falletta – 2017
Christopher Seaman – 2018
Gerard Schwarz – 2019
Peter Oundjian – 2020
Jahja Ling – 2022
Carl St. Clair – 2023
Keith Lockhart – 2024
Mei-Ann Chen – 2025
Miguel Harth-Bedoya – 2026
