Join the Des Moines Symphony for an unforgettable evening as we conclude our 86th season with the "Season Finale: ReDiscover the Ode to Joy" at the Des Moines Civic Center. This grand finale, taking place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, May 12, 2024, at 2:30 PM, promises to be a spectacular celebration of music and unity.

Under the baton of the esteemed Maestro Joseph Giunta, experience the power and beauty of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, famously concluding with the "Ode to Joy" – a timeless anthem of brotherhood and joy. The concert begins with Suppe’s exhilarating "Pique Dame (Queen of Spades) Overture" and continues with Valerie Coleman’s "UMOJI, Anthem of Unity," a piece that beautifully weaves simple melodies into a complex narrative of human endeavor.

This season finale is not just a concert but a monumental event featuring over 150 voices joining the Symphony in a triumphant rendition of Beethoven’s immortal Ninth Symphony. It’s a moment of elation, unity, and musical excellence you won’t want to miss.

Tickets are priced between $15 and $70, with a special half-price offer for students. Be aware that ticket prices will increase by $5 on the day of the concert, so secure your seats in advance. For our student audience, rush tickets are available on the day of the concert at $5 for junior high and high school students and $10 for all other students, with a valid Student ID.

Enhance your concert experience by joining us 45 minutes before the performance for a free Concert Prelude Talk in the Prairie Meadows East Lobby. Led by Dr. Eric McIntyre of Grinnell College, these discussions offer engaging insights into the evening’s program.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a historic musical journey with the Des Moines Symphony. Reserve your tickets now and be part of the joyous celebration that is "ReDiscover the Ode to Joy."

EPSG:4326

Season Finale: ReDiscover the Ode to Joy

Des Moines Civic Center

**Season Debut: The Emperor - Des Moines Symphony**

Join us for an unforgettable evening as the Des Moines Symphony kicks off its season with "The Emperor" at the Des Moines Civic Center. This spectacular event promises to blend classical tradition with innovative spirit, showcasing the talents of renowned artists and the visionary leadership of Maestro Joseph Giunta.

**Date & Time:**
- Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 7:30 PM
- Sunday, September 29, 2024, at 2:30 PM

**Location:** Des Moines Civic Center

**Program Highlights:**
- **Kevin Day's "Lightspeed"** opens the concert with its kaleidoscopic textures and futuristic soundscapes, setting the stage for an evening of musical exploration.
- **Beethoven's Emperor Piano Concerto** featuring the acclaimed Olga Kern, who brings the bold spirit and profound depth of this masterpiece to life.
- **Bruckner's Symphony No. 7** in celebration of his 200th birthday, serving as a majestic finale that encapsulates the essence of the symphonic tradition.

**Performers:**
- **Joseph Giunta, Conductor** - Celebrated for his dynamic conducting and innovative programming, Maestro Giunta's leadership continues to elevate the Des Moines Symphony to new heights.
- **Olga Kern, Pianist** - Internationally renowned for her powerful performances and technical mastery, Kern's interpretation of Beethoven's Emperor is eagerly anticipated.

**Ticket Information:**
- Prices range from $20 to $80, with half-price tickets available for students.
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission.

This event is not just a concert; it's a celebration of music's power to inspire and transform. The Season Debut: The Emperor is proudly presented as part of the Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber Concert series, continuing the tradition of bringing exceptional musical experiences to the community.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness the Des Moines Symphony as it embarks on another season of outstanding performances. Secure your tickets today and be part of the magic that only live music can create.

Season Debut: The Emperor

Join us for an unforgettable evening as the Des Moines Symphony presents "Santino Fontana with the Des Moines Symphony" on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 7:30 PM at the Des Moines Civic Center. Experience the magic as Tony Award-winning Santino Fontana, renowned for his role as Prince Hans in Disney's Frozen, takes the stage with one of Broadway's most enchanting voices. Under the baton of the distinguished and dynamic Maestro Joseph Giunta, this concert promises to be a highlight of the musical season.

Tickets for this captivating performance start at $35 and are available through Des Moines Performing Arts. Please be advised that ticket prices are subject to increase. The Des Moines Symphony is excited to welcome children five years and older to this performance. Please note that all attendees, regardless of age, must have their own ticket.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness the synergy between Santino Fontana's charismatic performance and the masterful conducting of Joseph Giunta, celebrated for his innovative programming and compelling interpretations. This event is not only a celebration of music but also an invitation to support the Symphony's mission to bring exceptional musical experiences to the Des Moines community. Your support ensures the continuation of great music and impactful community engagement for years to come.

Reserve your seats today and prepare to be mesmerized by an evening of exquisite music and stellar performances.

Santino Fontana with the Des Moines Symphony

Join us for a captivating evening as the Des Moines Symphony presents "Lewis Plays Brahms," featuring the talented Geneva Lewis in her Des Moines debut. This remarkable concert will take place at the Des Moines Civic Center with performances on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 7:30 PM, and a matinee on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 2:30 PM.

Geneva Lewis will grace the stage with her virtuosic rendition of Brahms’ emotionally profound Violin Concerto, a piece celebrated for its technical demands and deep musicality. The evening will commence with Still’s Serenade, a piece that masterfully intertwines lush harmonies of American jazz and blues with classical traditions, setting the stage for an unforgettable musical journey. The orchestra will also shine under the baton of Maestro Joseph Giunta during Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5, a work renowned for its majestic beauty and compelling melodies.

Maestro Joseph Giunta, one of America’s most distinguished and dynamic conductors, will lead the orchestra through this enchanting program. Known for his innovative programming and compelling interpretations, Maestro Giunta's musical depth and boundless energy promise an evening of exceptional performances.

Ticket prices range from $20 to $80, with a special half-price offer for students, making this event accessible to all who wish to experience the transformative power of music. The concert's duration is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, ensuring an evening filled with beautiful music and memorable moments.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness Geneva Lewis's Des Moines debut and enjoy an evening of exquisite music with the Des Moines Symphony. Secure your tickets now for "Lewis Plays Brahms" and be part of a musical experience that will resonate long after the final note has been played.

Lewis Plays Brahms

Join us for a spectacular evening as the Des Moines Symphony presents "Parker Plays Gershwin" at the Des Moines Civic Center. This unforgettable performance, taking place on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 2:30 PM, features the renowned pianist Jon Kimura Parker. Experience the joyful melodies and syncopated rhythms of Gershwin’s Concerto in F, a masterpiece that will be brought to life under the skilled hands of Parker.

The concert will also showcase the exuberant "Music from The Celebration: A Symphonic Jubilee" by Des Moines composer Linda Robbins Coleman, and Beethoven’s triumphant Symphony No. 7, creating a night of musical brilliance. Under the baton of the distinguished and dynamic conductor Joseph Giunta, the Des Moines Symphony promises an evening of compelling interpretations and innovative programming.

Ticket prices range from $20 to $80, with a special half-price offer for students. The performance will include one intermission, making the total duration approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.

This event is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, including The Rosenberg Family in Honor of Audrey & Dr. Harlan Rosenberg, and The Estate of Stanley Richards.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness a blend of classical and contemporary music that will leave you mesmerized. Secure your tickets now for "Parker Plays Gershwin" and be part of a musical celebration that resonates with the soul of Des Moines.

Parker Plays Gershwin

Ring in the new year with the classic sounds of doo-wop! The Doo Wop Project traces the inception of group singing to the biggest hits on the radio today. From the tunes of Frankie Valli, The Drifters and The Four Seasons to reimagined favorites by Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Maroon 5, this is the hottest New Year’s Eve ticket in town!

NYE Pops: The Doo Wop Project

Experience the exhilarating power of classical music as the Des Moines Symphony presents "Chen Conducts Rachmaninoff," a captivating concert event led by the distinguished guest conductor Mei-Ann Chen. This remarkable performance is set to take place at the Des Moines Civic Center, offering two opportunities to witness the magic: Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 2:30 PM.

The concert will open with the vibrant "Dance of the Canebrakes" by Florence Price, a piece inspired by African American folk music that promises to set the stage with its lively rhythms. Following this, the talented Anne Marie McDermott will grace the stage with Beethoven’s brilliant "Piano Concerto No. 1," showcasing her exceptional skill and passion for the keys. The evening will culminate in a powerful performance of Rachmaninoff’s "Symphonic Dances," a dramatic and emotionally charged piece that will leave the audience spellbound.

Ticket prices for this unforgettable musical journey range from $20 to $80, with a special half-price offer for students, making it accessible for music lovers of all ages. The concert will include one intermission, with a total duration of approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of classical music.

This event is proudly sponsored by Nixon Lauridsen & Virginia Croskery Lauridsen, whose support helps bring such magnificent performances to the Des Moines community. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of Mei-Ann Chen conducting the Des Moines Symphony in a night of Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, and Price.

Chen Conducts Rachmaninoff

Immerse yourself in an evening of classical music with the Des Moines Symphony's presentation of "From the New World." This captivating concert is set to take place at the Des Moines Civic Center, offering two performances: the first on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 7:30 PM, and the second on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2:30 PM. 

The concert will mark the Des Moines debut of the talented Sterling Elliot, who will perform Haydn’s elegant Cello Concerto in D Major. The program also features Coleridge-Taylor’s "The Song of Hiawatha" and Dvorak’s iconic "Symphony No. 9 From the New World," creating a celebration of the rich tapestry of American musical expression. 

Under the baton of the distinguished and dynamic Maestro Joseph Giunta, one of America’s most versatile and respected conductors, the evening promises to be a memorable experience. Maestro Giunta's innovative programming and compelling interpretations have earned him international acclaim, making this event a must-see for music lovers.

Ticket prices range from $20 to $80, with a special half-price offer for students. The concert duration is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission. 

Don't miss this opportunity to support and enjoy the Des Moines Symphony as they continue to bring the best of classical music to the heart of Des Moines. Secure your tickets today for an unforgettable journey "From the New World."

From the New World

Experience the epic power of fate and fortune as the Des Moines Symphony presents "O Fortuna - Carmina Burana" at the Des Moines Civic Center. This monumental performance, scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 2:30 PM, promises an unforgettable evening of music that explores the joys and sorrows of the human experience. Over 100 voices will join the orchestra to bring Carl Orff's dramatic Carmina Burana to life, alongside Wagner's majestic Prelude to Die Meistersinger and the poignant Nanie, Op. 82 by Brahms.

Under the baton of the distinguished and dynamic Maestro Joseph Giunta, a conductor of international acclaim known for his innovative programming and compelling interpretations, the concert is set to be a showcase of musical brilliance. The performance will last approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission, offering audiences a rich tapestry of sound and emotion.

Ticket prices range from $20 to $80, with a special half-price offer for students, making this cultural experience accessible to all. Don't miss the chance to witness the Des Moines Symphony's exploration of Orff's powerful masterpiece at the Des Moines Civic Center. Secure your tickets now for a journey through the highs and lows of life, all expressed through the universal language of music.

O Fortuna - Carmina Burana

**Final Symphony: Music From Final Fantasy - Presented by the Des Moines Symphony**

**Date & Time:** Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 7:30 PM  
**Location:** Des Moines Civic Center  
**Ticket Price:** $40 - $90  

Dive into the enchanting world of one of the most beloved video game franchises as the Des Moines Symphony presents "Final Symphony: Music From Final Fantasy." This extraordinary concert event features the iconic compositions of Masashi Hamauzu and Nobuo Uematsu, including fan favorites like Terra’s Theme, Hum of the Fayth, Main Theme of FINAL FANTASY VII, and J-E-N-O-V-A. These masterpieces have been beautifully arranged for a full orchestra, transforming them into a symphonic poem, a piano concerto, and a symphony in three movements, promising an unforgettable evening for both classical music enthusiasts and Final Fantasy fans alike.

Under the baton of the acclaimed Maestro Joseph Giunta, one of America’s most distinguished, versatile, and dynamic conductors, the Des Moines Symphony will bring these compositions to life. Maestro Giunta's innovative programming and compelling interpretations of both traditional and new music have earned him international acclaim, making him a pivotal figure in the American orchestral landscape.

This event is not just a concert but a celebration of music, storytelling, and the incredible legacy of the Final Fantasy series. It's an opportunity to experience the depth and beauty of the game's music in a new and profound way, performed live by a full orchestra.

Tickets for "Final Symphony: Music From Final Fantasy" are now available. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a magical night that bridges the worlds of video game music and classical symphony. Join us at the Des Moines Civic Center for an evening that promises to be as epic and moving as the stories that inspired it.

For more information and to purchase your tickets, please visit the Des Moines Symphony's official website.

Final Symphony: Music From Final Fantasy

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.

Des Moines Symphony

May 11, 2024

Season Finale: ReDiscover the Ode to Joy

28 - 29 Sep, 2024

Season Debut: The Emperor

Oct 5, 2024

Santino Fontana with the Des Moines Symphony

26 - 27 Oct, 2024

Lewis Plays Brahms

23 - 24 Nov, 2024

Parker Plays Gershwin

Des Moines Symphony

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