The mission of the Des Moines Symphony & Academy is to create extraordinary, live musical experiences and outstanding educational opportunities. We will engage, enrich, educate and inspire a broad and diverse audience in Central Iowa with excellent teaching, innovative programming and performances of great symphonic music played at the highest professional standards resources allow.

Music has been bringing people together for centuries. Musicians that perform the music and audiences that listen to it are changed by this collective, unique experience. Music tells stories, feeds our souls, and connects us to one another. During our 86th season, our audiences discovered the world of music. Our Masterworks series highlighted not only the most iconic symphonic works, but also the works of new and upcoming composers such as Arturo Márquez, Wang Lu, and Valerie Coleman. Our 95 musicians, who come from Des Moines and throughout the country, told a musical story through their performances. We experienced great music that uplifts, inspires, challenges, and comforts.

Great music is powerful. Great music is for everyone. Your generous Annual Fund gifts played an important part in shaping the future of music in Central Iowa: by helping us provide high-quality music instruction, inspiring performances, and building a strong musical community that will resonate for years to come.

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2023-2024Season High Notes

The 2023-24 Season Debut marked the 2nd annual Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber Concert, featuring the renowned Anne Akiko Meyers performing Arturo Marquez's Fandango, written expressly for her.

The Des Moines Symphony was 1 of 30 orchestras chosen to participate in the League of American Orchestra's Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program. Composer Wang Lu visited Des Moines in February 2024 for the Midwest Premiere of her work Surge in collaboration with the New York Philharmonic's World Premiere.

GRAMMY®-nominated ensemble Sandbox Percussion joined the Symphony as the 2nd annual Fred & Charlotte Hubbell Visiting Artist In Residence. The ensemble worked with 349 students in area schools and at the Des Moines Symphony Academy.

  • 26

    Concerts Performed

  • 434

    Enrolled Symphony Academy Students

  • 17

    Guest artists and conductors

  • 21,794

    Tickets Sold

Income

Des Moines Symphony Foundation $1,211,689
Donor Support $1,194,935
Ticket Sales & Performance Fees $887,418
Symphony Academy Tuition $300,640
Government Support $45,000
Total $3,639,682

Expenses

Artistic Programs $2,732,561
Management & General $562,553
Symphony Academy Programs $493,680
Fundraising $330,458
Total $4,119,252

Beneficial Interest in the Des Moines Symphony Foundation

Income and Expenses, combined with the Change in Beneficial Interest in the Des Moines Symphony Foundation, resulted in an increase in Net Assets of $775,950 for the fiscal year 2023-24.

We have been season subscribers for 25 years. The DMSO has never been better!

Attending a Symphony performance is always a highlight for me. I appreciate the quality, variety and enthusiasm of each concert.

I am always amazed at the sheer sound of the Orchestra, the clarity and articulation of the music.

I am so lucky to have world class music in my own backyard!

To me, there is nothing like a live musical performance. The creative energy sends my heart soaring!