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Des Moines Symphony Concerts & Events

Masterworks Series

Experience timeless masterpieces and world-renowned guest artists in our Masterworks Series, performed September through May at the Civic Center.

Saturday September 24

The Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber Concert
Season Debut: Gershwin, Rodrigo & Ravel
7:30 PM

Sharon Isbin, called “the pre-eminent guitarist of our time,” joins the Symphony for a dazzling Season Debut packed with new and familiar classics, including Gershwin’s An American in Paris, Rodrigo’s virtuosic Fantasia para un gentilhombre, and Ravel’s rapturous, passionate Daphnis et Chloe.
- Event Details →
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Sunday September 25

The Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber Concert
Season Debut: Gershwin, Rodrigo & Ravel
2:30 PM

Sharon Isbin, called “the pre-eminent guitarist of our time,” joins the Symphony for a dazzling Season Debut packed with new and familiar classics, including Gershwin’s An American in Paris, Rodrigo’s virtuosic Fantasia para un gentilhombre, and Ravel’s rapturous, passionate Daphnis et Chloe.
- Event Details →
- Buy Tickets →

Saturday October 22

Masterworks 2
The Firebird
7:30 PM

Grammy-nominated pianist Joyce Yang returns to Des Moines in a brilliant showcase of stunning moments and orchestral thrills. Hear Rachmaninoff’s ravishing Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, then the colorful, evocative tale of the Firebird raises the rafters of the Civic Center.
- Event Details →
- Buy Tickets →

Sunday October 23

Masterworks 2
The Firebird
2:30 PM

Grammy-nominated pianist Joyce Yang returns to Des Moines in a brilliant showcase of stunning moments and orchestral thrills. Hear Rachmaninoff’s ravishing Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, then the colorful, evocative tale of the Firebird raises the rafters of the Civic Center.
- Event Details →
- Buy Tickets →

Saturday November 19

Masterworks 3
The Planets
7:30 PM

Holst’s exuberant evocation of our solar system, The Planets, conjures our unfathomable universe in a swirling, spirited concert that features Adolphus Hailstork’s joyous Fanfare on Amazing Grace, James MacMillan’s eloquent Larghetto for Orchestra, and Elgar’s cheerful, rowdy Cockaigne Overture.
- Event Details →
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Sunday November 20

Masterworks 3
The Planets
2:30 PM

Holst’s exuberant evocation of our solar system, The Planets, conjures our unfathomable universe in a swirling, spirited concert that features Adolphus Hailstork’s joyous Fanfare on Amazing Grace, James MacMillan’s eloquent Larghetto for Orchestra, and Elgar’s cheerful, rowdy Cockaigne Overture.
- Event Details →
- Buy Tickets →

Saturday February 4

Masterworks 4
Mahler 5
7:30 PM

Our February concerts open with Valerie Coleman’s Seven O’Clock Shout, an anthem celebrating the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising star Kevin Zhu performs Tchaikovsky’s bold and romantic Violin Concerto; finally, experience the tragedy and triumph of Mahler’s monumental Fifth Symphony.
- Event Details →
- Buy Tickets →

Sunday February 5

Masterworks 4
Mahler 5
2:30 PM

Our February concerts open with Valerie Coleman’s Seven O’Clock Shout, an anthem celebrating the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising star Kevin Zhu performs Tchaikovsky’s bold and romantic Violin Concerto; finally, experience the tragedy and triumph of Mahler’s monumental Fifth Symphony.
- Event Details →
- Buy Tickets →

Saturday March 11

Masterworks 5
St. Clair Conducts Tchaikovsky
7:30 PM

Renowned conductor Carl St. Clair leads the Orchestra in a dramatic program beginning with John Wineglass’s profound Alone Together. Aubree Oliverson plays Bruch’s beloved First Violin Concerto; finally, the wild euphoria and desolate despair of Tchaikovsky’s ethereal “Pathétique” Symphony.
- Event Details →
- Buy Tickets →

Sunday March 12

Masterworks 5
St. Clair Conducts Tchaikovsky
2:30 PM

Renowned conductor Carl St. Clair leads the Orchestra in a dramatic program beginning with John Wineglass’s profound Alone Together. Aubree Oliverson plays Bruch’s beloved First Violin Concerto; finally, the wild euphoria and desolate despair of Tchaikovsky’s ethereal “Pathétique” Symphony.
- Event Details →
- Buy Tickets →

Meet The Maestro

Get to know Joseph Giunta, one of America’s most distinguished, versatile and dynamic conductors.

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