Iowa is buzzing with excitement this season, offering a variety of captivating events across Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, Iowa City, and Elkader. Whether you're into enchanting musicals, orchestral tributes, guitar recitals, or comedic plays, there's something for everyone. Theatre Cedar Rapids presents 'The Light in the Piazza' from August 9th to August 25th at Brucemore Amphitheatre, a heartwarming musical set in Florence, Italy. On August 31st, immerse yourself in Leonard Bernstein's masterpieces at the River Place Plaza in Cedar Falls. Then, on September 13th, enjoy a free chamber recital by Tariel Iberi at the University of Iowa School of Music. Orchestrated by Orchestra Iowa, 'A Night on the Town' will feature performances in Cedar Rapids and Coralville on September 14th and 15th. Finally, don't miss the hilarious 'The Play That Goes Wrong' from October 4th to October 13th at the Elkader Opera House. Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable cultural journey!

Unmissable Events in Iowa: From Cedar Rapids to Elkader

Masters & Modern

Opus Concert Cafe

Unitarian Universalist Society Iowa

Take a magical tour into the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Experience the thrill of adventure, the warmth of friendship, and the triumph of good with John Williams’ spellbinding music. Enjoy the charm as Orchestra Iowa performs favorites from the iconic film series. The performance also features the Orchestra Iowa Discovery Youth Chorus.

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The Music of Harry Potter

Paramount Theatre Iowa

Stories and styles converge in Hungarian composer Béla Bartók’s Miraculous Mandarin Suite, opening with wonder and excitement. Continuing along the Silk Road, Orchestra Iowa’s Principal Cellist, Philip Bergman, performs Tan Dun’s evocative Crouching Tiger Concerto. Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition wraps up the musical journey with its infamous booming fanfare at the Great Gate of Kiev.

A Tale of Two Cultures

5th Plaza

The season opens on a high note with two inspired takes on Gershwin. Stewart Goodyear plays the classic Rhapsody in Blue, followed by jazzy variations on I’ve Got Rhythm performed by The Menefield/Phillips Quartet. Symphony No.1 by Black composer William Grant Still blends classical symphonic form with spirituals, blues, and jazz. This landmark composition influenced Gershwin, who in turn inspired Bernstein.

A Night on the Town

A new outdoor concert experience! Sing and dance to your favorite hits from The Eagles, presented by The 7 Bridges Band and the entire symphony. Celebrate community along the banks of the Cedar River with Orchestra Iowa’s favorite tradition: an exhilarating musical experience in an informal, everyone-friendly atmosphere. Kick off your summer with Orchestra Iowa!

The Ultimate Eagles Experience

McGrath Amphitheatre

Amongst the most famous masterpieces for chorus and orchestra is Orff’s epic Carmina Burana.  Estelí Gomez (soprano), Ben Gulley (tenor), Norman Garrett (baritone), and our own symphonic chorus join the full symphony to stage this commanding work. Paired with Barber’s Symphony No. 1, featuring cycling themes that wax and wane through darkness and light, this concert will be a riveting experience you will not soon forget!

Carmina Burana

The University of Iowa School of Music - Voxman Building

After a gentle alien becomes stranded on Earth, the being is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott (Henry Thomas). Bringing the extraterrestrial into his suburban California house, Elliott introduces E.T., as the alien is dubbed, to his brother and his little sister, Gertie (Drew Barrymore), and the children decide to keep its existence a secret. Soon, however, E.T. falls ill, resulting in government intervention and a dire situation for both Elliott and the alien.

E.T. the ExtraTerrestrial

A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by Orchestra Iowa. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves.

Home Alone In Concert

The fairy tale begins with Samuel Barber’s Essay No. 1, a piece full of emotion and lyrical melodies. Grammy Award-winning violinist, Melissa White, transports you to the lush landscapes of Scotland with Max Bruch’s beautiful Scottish Fantasy. Beethoven’s epic “Eroica”, the first great Romantic symphony, concludes on a grand scale of virtue and heroism.

A Romantic Fantacy

A classic tale of holiday delight and fancy! Tchaikovsky’s enchanting symphony comes to life, complete with the dancers of Ballet Quad Cities. Sparkling costumes, whimsical characters, and a festive tale are guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.

the Nutcracker

Holiday Spectacular brightens the season, bringing yuletide cheer with the merriest of holiday music, sparkling lights, and a jolly good time for all. This year, tenor Ben Gulley and the Orchestra Iowa Holiday Chorus join the symphony to share songs of glad tidings and plenty of festive fun.

Holiday Spectacular 2024

Blues & Bass

Experience a magical retelling of the classic fairy tale, Cinderella, with Massenet’s opera, Cendrillon! Through captivating arias, tender duets, and lush orchestration, it tells the timeless story of Cinderella’s journey from rags to riches and the power of kindness and love to conquer all obstacles.

Cendrillon

Embark on an immersive, thrilling journey with the music of legendary video games. The dramatic music evokes memories of excitement and gaming fun. Coupled with ground-breaking technology, this award-winning concert is an experience for gamers and amateurs alike.

Vedio Games Live

Entr’acte, by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw, is a stirring, soulful play on a Haydn masterpiece. The lyricism continues with Steinway Artist and international pianist Lorraine Min as she performs her signature piece, Saint-Saens’ elegant 4th Piano Concerto. Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 captivates with deep emotion, intense drama, and a triumphant finale.

A Lyrical Journey

A modern take on the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale! Featuring five Orchestra Iowa instrumentalists and five Cedar Rapids Opera vocalists, Song of the Nightingale evokes the sweet sounds of the nightingale. With music by composer Lisa DeSpain, this cheerful story comes alive in a fantastical and jubilant spectacle. Song of the Nightingale is approximately one hour in length and is ideal for audiences of all ages.

Song Of The Nightingale

Ballantyne Auditorium

In his Symphony No. 5, Mendelssohn musically reconciles his Jewish heritage with his love for Bach, using hymns to create an impassioned tribute to the Protestant Reformation. Mozart’s Requiem mass asks an all-powerful God to accept a human soul into heaven. Written in the final days of the composer’s brief life, this deeply moving choral work showcases Mozart at his finest.

A Solemn Devotional

Hear the story of Tchaikovsky’s arrival in New York for the grand opening of Carnegie Hall. Based on actual historical events, this poignant meeting of old-world influences and new-world experiences is a tale of contrast and courage. Music is woven into the drama with actors and the symphony on stage, performing familiar excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s most famous works.

Tchaikovsky Discovers America

Jennifer Higdon’s Fanfare Rítmico is a 21st century work that celebrates the “speed of modern life,” opening with an energetic flourish. Orchestra Iowa’s own Miko Kominami performs Liszt’s iconic Piano Concerto No. 2 with its melodic theme, expressive variations, and challenging solo passages. Shostakovich’s masterful Symphony No. 5 closes with a bold, enduring statement of resisting oppression.

Orchestra Iowa

1 - 3 Nov, 2024

Masters & Modern

16 - 17 Nov, 2024

Home Alone In Concert

23 - 24 Nov, 2024

A Romantic Fantacy

Dec 7, 2024

the Nutcracker

20 - 22 Dec, 2024

Holiday Spectacular 2024

1 - 3 Nov, 2024

Masters & Modern

Oct 26, 2024

The Music of Harry Potter

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