Share

Join us for an unforgettable evening as the Des Moines Symphony presents its Season Finale: Pines of Rome, under the baton of the esteemed Maestro Joseph Giunta. This spectacular concert will take place at the Des Moines Civic Center with performances on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 7:30 PM, and a matinee on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:30 PM. The evening promises to be a journey through the vibrant landscapes of Italy, beginning with Mendelssohn-Hensel’s lively Overture in C Major. The adventure continues with Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony, capturing the essence of Italy's bustling streets and serene landscapes. The talented George Li will then take the stage, performing Saint-Saëns’ Second Piano Concerto, a piece that dazzles with its virtuosity and emotional depth. The finale of the concert, Respighi’s Pines of Rome, promises to be a breathtaking experience, with its evocative melodies and powerful brass sections that will fill the Civic Center with the majestic sounds of Rome. Maestro Joseph Giunta, celebrated for his dynamic conducting and innovative programming, will lead the orchestra through this exhilarating program. His distinguished career and passionate interpretations of both traditional and new music have made him one of the most respected conductors in the United States. Ticket prices range from $20 to $80, with half-price tickets available for students. The concert will last approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of the Des Moines Symphony’s Season Finale: Pines of Rome. It’s a musical journey that promises to be as enchanting as the Eternal City itself.

Each year, the Des Moines Symphony welcomes more than 100,000 Central Iowans to celebrate Independence Day at Yankee Doodle Pops, the largest single-day concert event in Iowa. This July, Music Director & Conductor Joseph Giunta and the musicians of the Des Moines Symphony are pleased to bring The Des Moines Symphony’s 31st Annual Yankee Doodle Pops to everyone in the state through a broadcast in partnership with Iowa PBS and Iowa Public Radio. As always, the Des Moines Symphony will perform time-honored patriotic favorites, including the 1812 Overture and Stars & Stripes Forever.

The Viewing Party is a premier Independence Day celebration coupled with one of our community’s favorite summertime traditions: the Des Moines Symphony’s Yankee Doodle Pops! Join us for a pre-concert cocktail reception, a gourmet picnic dinner provided by Baratta’s, a cash bar, premium reserved parking, HD livestream of the 31st Annual Yankee Doodle Pops concert, and a spectacular view of fireworks over the city skyline.

Beck will be joined by the Des Moines Symphony, conducted by Edwin Outwater, for a special performance at Lauridsen Amphitheater on July 24. With support from Molly Lewis, Beck's Des Moines performancee could include arrangements of cuts ranging from 1996’s Odelay to 2014’s Morning Phase, “plus a share of surprises.” Don't miss your chance to hear this GRAMMY-Award winning artist!

Shostakovich’s shining Festive Overture, filled with triumphant brass fanfares and woodwind virtuosity, opens the season. Eighth Blackbird, America’s groundbreaking sextet, explores the rhythmic vitality and color of Viet Cuong’s Vital Sines. Tchaikovsky’s lush and expressive Symphony No. 5, with its unforgettable “fate” motif, brings the Season Debut to a triumphant close.

Hey, you guys! Release your inner pirate and tag along with the beloved group of kids from the “Goon Docks” as they embark on their epic hunt for One-Eyed Willy’s treasure. Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of this timeless adventure when the Des Moines Symphony brings Dave Grusin’s iconic score to life while the movie plays on the big screen. And remember... Goonies never say die!

This Masterworks program features rhythmic drive and virtuosic grandeur. Impichchaachaaha’ Tate’s Chokfi, a vibrant, rhythmic work inspired by the trickster rabbit of Chickasaw legend, opens the concert. Lukáš Vondráček performs Chopin’s richly Romantic Second Piano Concerto. Lushly orchestrated Czech folk music comes to life in Dvořák’s Sixth Symphony.

Vivid and emotional, the third program on our Masterworks series features the lively rhythms of Scottish folk music. Arnold’s Four Scottish Dances leads into Bruch’s virtuosic Scottish Fantasy, performed by American violinist Stefan Jackiw in his Des Moines debut. The concert closes with Beethoven’s triumphant masterpiece, the Eroica Symphony.

Experience the Des Moines Symphony brass section like never before in our newest tradition! Celebrate the sounds of the season with favorites like Joy to the World, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and more. Westminster Presbyterian's beautiful Dobson Pipe Organ will be prominently featured alongside timpani, percussion, and our powerful brass section. Don't miss your chance to experience this intimate, family-friendly holiday concert!