The Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra is set to delight audiences with a series of enchanting concerts, ushering in the holiday spirit and beyond. From the intimate setting of Harper's Victorian Gothic church to the grand acoustics of the Chapel Auditorium, these events promise a rich tapestry of musical experiences. Highlights include the heartwarming Harper Chamber Holiday Concert, the vibrant Hollydaze celebration, and the majestic performances of Dvořák’s and Tchaikovsky’s symphonies. Each event offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the profound beauty of orchestral and chamber music.

An Enchanting Prelude to the Holidays with Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra

This year, the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra presents an extraordinary lineup of events that promises to captivate audiences with a blend of classical, cross-over, and family-friendly music. From the grandeur of 'Symphonic Blast!' on the Mississippi bluffs to the stirring notes of 'Beethoven’s 9th Symphony', this season showcases diverse musical styles and unforgettable performances. Join us for a musical journey that celebrates innovation, passion, and community, with highlights including the exhilarating 'Pops 2025' and the enchanting 'Harper Holiday Chamber Concert'.

A Symphony of Seasons: Southeast Iowa's Musical Extravaganza

Embark on an auditory journey with the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra's 2025-2026 season. From the iconic notes of Queen and Gershwin to the timeless symphonies of Brahms and Beethoven, the lineup is a diverse exploration of music's ability to inspire and connect us. With imaginative events ranging from family-friendly Halloween concerts to festive holiday gatherings, there's something to delight music lovers of all ages.

A Symphony of Sights and Sounds: Southeast Iowa's Dazzling Musical Season

Our costume concert returns with Superman, E.T., and Star Wars! Look up in the sky... It's a bird. It's a plane. It's....Maestro Bob McConnell! Treat your little ones to an afternoon of enchanting movie music by none other than the amazing John Williams! This 45 minute concert is perfect for kids of all ages and will feature selections from Superman, E.T., and Star Wars.

EPSG:4326

Kidsymphony: A John Williams Halloween

The Capitol Theater

Fairfield Arts & Convention Center

Chapel Auditorium, Mt. Pleasant

Bridge View Center

Washington High School

Roaring brass heralds the beginning of our 75th season with Shostakovich, followed by a lush and soothing intermezzo from Mascagni, and the incessant heavenly crescendo of Ravel’s Bolero. Tension fills the air with the exquisite drama of Brahms’ 1st Symphony until soaring strings and distant alpine horn-calls announce the Beethoven-esque heroic finale of your new favorite symphonic masterpiece.

Brahms’ 1st Symphony

Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody meets Rhapsody in Blue for an epic evening featuring pianist Casey Dierlam Tse, sponsored by the Mary Ann Baker Foundation. From the operatic drama and rock energy of Bohemian Rhapsody to the jazz-infused brilliance and symphonic sweep of Rhapsody in Blue, these timeless masterpieces capture the spirit of innovation, passion, and bold musical storytelling. 

Pops 2025: A Bohemian Rhapsody in Blue

Our annual Independence Day concert, complete with fireworks! Set on the bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi river, Symphonic Blast is a FREE outdoor evening concert that the entire family will love. Patriotic classics, movie music medleys, and orchestral greatest hits combine for an explosive program - but what makes this concert a real blast? The fireworks of course!

Symphonic Blast!

 Crapo Park

A galloping Italian overture from Rossini, a mesmerizing new concerto for clarinet, and a heart-pounding symphonic roller coaster from Tchaikovsky, complete with one of the greatest orchestral finales ever written.

Tchaikovsky’s 4TH SYMPHONY

Chapel Auditorium

Burlington Capitol Theater

A 21st century soon-to-be masterpiece for chorus and chamber orchestra, our 2024 Young Artist Competition Winner, and the life-enhancing joy of Dvořák's expressive, exciting, and simply irresistible Eighth Symphony.

Dvorak’s 8TH SYMPHONY

Gather with family, neighbors, and loved ones for a program bursting with joyous carols, heavenly choirs, and plenty of holiday cheer! A celebration of season, this program features traditional holiday songs and carols, music from holiday films and movies, and stirring new arrangements that will fill your heart with love, joy, and thankfulness. We invite you to experience the unique sense of togetherness and community that live holiday music provides. 

Hollydaze

Ring in the holidays with a pastoral concert that will touch your heart and move your soul. Complimentary refreshments to follow. A remarkable example of Victorian Gothic architecture nestled in the rolling cornfields of Keokuk County, Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church is a testament to artistry, resilience, and community. Gorgeous stained glass windows and a trio of hand carved walnut alters make a breathtaking backdrop for Baroque and traditional holiday chamber music. Seating capacity is limited to 300 and is first come, first serve. Please arrive early for guaranteed seating.

Harper chamber holiday concert

Clear Creek Heritage Association

A vivacious opening overture by Iowan Linda Robbins Coleman, two of the finest examples of French Impressionism, and the masterwork of masterworks, Beethoven's 5th Symphony.

Beethoven's 5th Symphony

The Capitol Theatre

Get out your calendars and save the date - the 2024 SEISO Pops concert is in the works! A departure from “traditional” classical music, our pops concerts have featured everything from jazz and contemporary artists to pops tunes and movie soundtracks. Make it a night to remember and upgrade your concert experience with a dinner reservation. Pricing and menu options will be announced in the coming months.

2024 Dinner Pops Concert

The cyclists are coming! RAGBRAI, Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, is more than just a bike ride, it is an epic eight-day rolling festival of bicycles, music, food, camaraderie, and community. It is the oldest, largest, and longest multi-day bicycle touring event in the world - and it’s coming to all three of our communities! Therefore, we’ve decided to celebrate with a special concert in Mount Pleasant. This free concert will be held in the air-conditioned Chapel Auditorium on the former Iowa Wesleyan campus.

Ragbrai Concert

Mount Pleasant

Our independence day celebration returns! Set on the bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi river, Symphonic Blast is a free outdoor concert that everyone will love. But what makes this concert a real blast? The fireworks of course! 

Symphonic Blast

Crapo Park

Part concert, part dance party, and part club night, with explosive original music that samples from classical and hip-hop, the Hip-Hop Orchestra Experience starts with the seminal works of Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven, then builds something completely NEW. Featuring members of Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra (SEISO) alongside San Francisco’s Ensemble Mik Nawooj, the music uniquely pushes the boundaries of both hip-hop and concert music, with resident MCs, a lyric soprano, turf dancer, woodwinds, french horn, strings, piano, and drums.

Hip Hop Orchestra Experience

Venezuelan Violinist Magdiell Antequera presents a SEISO premier of a unique lesser known gem from Bernstein, followed by one of the world’s greatest symphonies written under the weight of the Stalin regime’s criticisms.

20th CenturyTitans

First United Methodist Church Mount Pleasant

A dazzling opening overture, a lush and beautiful guitar concerto featuring W. Mark Akin, and one of the world’s most beloved orchestral works. 

Tales Of The Symphony

Overture Center for the Arts

An exotic variety of energetic music from across the Americas, combined with a unique French solo work.

Music From Mostly The Americas

Iowa Wesleyan Chapel Auditorium

An afternoon of holiday classics in a stunning Baroque setting. Complimentary refreshments to follow. A remarkable example of Victorian Gothic architecture nestled in the rolling cornfields of Keokuk County, Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church is a testament to artistry, resilience, and community. The acoustically superior church, with its grand arched ceilings, offers a unique listening experience that you must hear to believe. Following the concert, please join us and the Clear Creek Amana Heritage Foundation for a spread of homemade holiday baked goods fit for Sts. Peter, Paul, and Nicholas themselves!

Harper Holiday Chamber Concert

Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church

Ring in the season with joyous carols and plenty of holiday cheer! Gather your friends, family, and join us for Hollydaze, sponsored by Southeast Iowa Realty. A celebration of season, this program features traditional holiday songs and carols, music from holiday films and movies, and stirring new arrangements that will fill your heart with love, joy, and thankfulness. We invite you to experience the unique sense of togetherness and community that live holiday music provides. Following the concert, please join us for a reception to meet the musicians.

Music and film combine for an unforgettable evening featuring the iconic silent film The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) with live orchestral and choral accompaniment. The Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra and Burlington Civic Music join together to present Voices of Light - an unforgettable musical theater experience which merges the legendary silent film masterpiece The Passion of Joan of Arc with a live performance of a beautiful work by composer Richard Einhorn.

voices of light

Guitarist W. Mark Akin joins our children’s chorus for this new concert. Celebrate the magic of love with an enchanting afternoon of music, featuring our children's choir and returning classical guitarist W. Mark Akin. This special Valentine's Day concert will weave together heartfelt melodies, soaring choral harmonies, and the delicate beauty of guitar serenades, creating an afternoon of romance and musical wonder. Whether you're celebrating with a special someone or simply indulging in the joy of music, we hope this delightful afternoon will fill your heart with love and inspiration.

Valentine's Day

A new work for trumpet and orchestra by award-winning concert and film music composer Jordan Jinosko featuring principal trumpet Derrick Murphy, our 2025 Young Artist Competition winner, and Beethoven’s final testament to his vision for world: one not ruled by great men or even by God, but by the true heroism of humanity itself: unity. Performed with the SEISO Chorus, Beethoven’s monolithic 9th Symphony is the musical expression of the absolute power of love, joy, and community.

Beethoven’s 9th Symphony

The cascading sounds of Smetana’s beloved national masterpiece, a delightful 3-part Mexican folk music symphony, and the delicate, passionate, and dazzling dance of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, performed by returning Artist-In-Residence Katya Moeller.  

The Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra

Dec 7, 2025

Harper Holiday Chamber Concert

Dec 13, 2025

Hollydaze

Feb 7, 2026

voices of light

Feb 14, 2026

Valentine's Day

14 - 15 Mar, 2026

Beethoven’s 9th Symphony

1 - 2 Nov, 2025

Kidsymphony: A John Williams Halloween

11 - 12 Oct, 2025

Brahms’ 1st Symphony

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The Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra