Des Moines Symphony News

5 Things to Know About Our Concertmaster, Jonathan Sturm 04/12/2024 In Symphony News

Did you know that Jonathan Sturm is the longest-serving concertmaster in the history of the Des Moines Symphony? Check out these five interesting facts about his career!

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Meet the Soloists for Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" 03/27/2024 In Symphony News

Meet the talented vocal soloists that will join the Des Moines Symphony for Beethoven's Ode to Joy on May 11 and 12.

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Beethoven’s Catchiest Tunes 03/21/2024 In Symphony News

Ludwig van Beethoven is a legendary composer of the Classical and Romantic eras. People of all walks of life are familiar with many of the composer's catchiest tunes. From the iconic “dun dun dun DUN” of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony to the melodic and beautiful Ode to Joy from his Ninth Symphony, his works have withstood the test of time. Learn about some of Beethoven's catchiest tunes!

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Celebrating 100 Years of Rhapsody in Blue 03/04/2024 In Symphony News

We commemorate the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.

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Masterworks 5: Discover Gershwin Program Notes 02/28/2024 In Symphony News

Read about the music and composers featured in Masterworks 5: Discover Gershwin on March 9 & 10, 2024.

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Best John Williams Film Scores 02/16/2024 In Symphony News

Lights, camera, action, music! Read about John Williams’s best film scores.

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Meet composers Valerie Coleman & Carlos Simon 02/14/2024 In Symphony News

One of the ways we aim to increase diversity in the arts is through programming. Black composers write great music. In fact, when Dvorak visiting America to capture it's sound, he told journalist James Creelman that “I am now satisfied that the future music in this country must be founded upon what are called negro melodies. This must be the real foundation of any serious and original school of composition to be developed in the United States.” In our upcoming programs, you'll hear pieces by two fantastic black composers, Valerie Coleman and Carlos Simon. Learn more about these two living black composers and discover new voices this season!

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Meet pianist Michelle Cann 02/10/2024 In Symphony News

Lauded as “exquisite” by The Philadelphia Inquirer and “a pianist of sterling artistry” by Gramophone, Michelle Cann has become one of the most sought-after pianists of her generation. Learn more about our upcoming soloist!

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How Classical Music Improves Mental Health 02/08/2024 In Symphony News

In the hectic world we live in, it is incredibly important to prioritize our mental health. Classical music offers profound and accessible ways to enhance our emotional well-being. From stress reduction and mood enhancement to cognitive benefits and improved sleep, classical music sends us on a path of emotional healing and growth.

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Why a Guest Conductor? 01/29/2024 In Symphony News

Hosting a Guest Conductor is a longstanding tradition for orchestras around the world, but what is the experience like for the musicians? We took that question to Concertmaster Jonathan Sturm.

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