The Ames International Orchestra Festival Association is set to host a spectacular array of performances at Iowa State University, bringing together an eclectic mix of musical theater, choral ensembles, orchestras, and ballet. From the poignant narratives of 'Dear Evan Hansen' to the powerful beats of 'Yamato – The Drummers of Japan', each event promises to offer a unique experience that captures the essence of artistry and cultural expression. This festival is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the universal language of music and dance.

Ames International Orchestra Festival: A Symphony of Diverse Performances

Dive into an extraordinary celebration of arts and culture at the Ames International Orchestra Festival Association's lineup of events. From the whimsical and humorous 'Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through the Change' to the powerful drumming of Yamato and the timeless tragedy of 'Romeo and Juliet', there is something for everyone. Experience the enchanting melodies of the Czech National Philharmonic to the harmonious vocals of VOCES8. Uncover the depth of each performance, as artists from around the globe converge in Ames, Iowa, to showcase their unique visions through music, dance, and more.

Ames Arts Festival: A Symphony of Performance and Culture

The Ames International Orchestra Festival Association is bringing an impressive lineup of events, highlighting diverse artistic expressions and musical spectacles. From the laughter-inducing 'Menopause The Musical 2' to the powerful resonance of 'Yamato – The Drummers Of Japan,' each performance offers a unique journey into the world of music and art. The festival promises an eclectic mix of cultural experiences, featuring choral harmonies by VOCES8, heart-stirring ballets by Ballet Des Moines, and the awe-inspiring classics by the Czech National Philharmonic. Join us for a vibrant celebration of creativity and passion.

Exploring the Musical and Artistic Diversity at Ames International Orchestra Festival

Discover the captivating lineup at Ames International Orchestra Festival, featuring the Shamrock Tenors' harmonious Irish tunes, Ballet Des Moines' poignant Romeo and Juliet, and the award-winning spectacle of The Book of Mormon. Join us at Iowa State University for an unforgettable journey through music, dance, and theater that promises to delight audiences of all ages. From soulful melodies and passionate choreography to thought-provoking and humorous storytelling, the festival brings together diverse artistic expressions, reflecting the rich tapestry of contemporary and classic performances.

Ames International Orchestra Festival: A Celebration of Music, Dance, and Drama

The Shamrock Tenors are Irish music’s most exciting new international hit! Created by Belfast performer, Raymond Walsh (Les Misérables – West End/UK Tour/Staged Concert) and proudly supported by Tourism Ireland, the group features performers that represent both sides of the community in Northern Ireland, with vocalists from London’s West End, the countries best multi- instrumentalists and a champion Irish dancer, their show takes you on a journey through Ireland’s most beloved classic songs, in beautiful five part harmony, whilst sharing their love for home and how far it has come in recent years. With all your favorites including Danny Boy, Black Velvet Band, Whiskey in the Jar, and The Wild Rover this is a show for all ages, performed with that cheeky Belfast charm!

Shamrock Tenors

Iowa State University

Ballet Des Moines presents See the Music (Hear the Dance), a mesmerizing ballet performance featuring choreography by Artistic Director Tom Mattingly. The performance opens with a world premiere collaboration between Ballet Des Moines and the acclaimed Aizuri Quartet playing the haunting strains of Philip Glass’ String Quartet No. 5. Mattingly’s choreography wields an incredible collection of world-class artists to bring the soaring piece to life, showcasing the power of live music and movement, from delicate introspection to athletic crescendos.

See the Music (Hear the Dance) Featuring Ballet Des Moines and Aizuri Quartet

YAMATO’s Taiko work cannot be fully described by the word “performance”.   On stage, they are standing with more than 40 Taiko drums and all of them are having different characters. For example, their largest drum called “Odaiko”, produced from a huge tree over 400 years old, is approximately two meters in diameter and weighs 500 kg. All other Taiko drums are different sizes and have different sounds.  The members of the group have trained their bodies to the limit to beat these massive Taiko drums.  This is why YAMATO’s original performances are known as “Physical music”, and continue to receive high acclaim all over the world. YAMATO is sometimes intense, sometimes sad, sometimes comforting, and in the next moment comical on stage.

Yamato – The Drummers Of Japan

The Czech National Philharmonic was founded in 1908, during which the orchestra performed its first concerts under the direction of Bohuslav Martinů. In 1945, it was reconstituted after the Second World War, and awarded the title of ‘National’ Philharmonic. The orchestra is famous for performing the works of Dvorak, Smetana, Martinů, Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and Schubert. Over the course of its existence, the Czech National Philharmonic Orchestra has developed an extremely extensive and varied repertoire. Focuses mainly on the great composers of world music of the 19th and 20th centuries, however, it also promotes contemporary Czech and world music, as evidenced by the performance of more than 250 new compositions. The orchestra also ranks among the authentic interpreters of the classics of Czech national music culture: Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich Smetana, Leoše Janáček a Bohuslav Martinů.

Czech National Philharmonic of Moravia

The 2023 Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8 is proud to inspire people through music and share the joy of singing. Touring globally, the group performs an extensive repertoire both in its a cappella concerts and in collaborations with leading orchestras, conductors and soloists. Versatility and a celebration of diverse musical expression are central to the ensemble’s performance and education ethos which is shared both online and in person.

Voces8

All aboard, sisters! The hysterical sequel to the smash-hit Menopause The Musical® is finally here!  Five years after their chance encounter in a department store, we set sail with our beloved ladies for more high jinks on the high seas. Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’® is a hilarious and heartfelt look at the joys of menopause and friendship — plus hot flashes, mood swings, and memory lapses! Join us on a trip of self-discovery, backed by a new soundtrack of toe-tapping parodied hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s. For these four ladies, menopause was not the end, but the beginning of a beautiful friendship where love conquers all, and friendships never fail.

Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’

Declared “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history” by the Washington Post,  DEAR EVAN HANSEN is the first musical to take a groundbreaking look — from the point of view of both the parents and young people — at our complex, interconnected, and social media-filled lives.

Dear Evan Hansen

An uplifting comeback story like no other, Tina is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Set to the pulse pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters.  This musical presents Tina’s journey against all odds to become one of the world’s most beloved artists of all time.  Featuring her much loved songs, the Tina Turner Musical is written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Katori Hall.

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical

Imagine witnessing the creativity of an artist creating a masterpiece before your eyes in mere moments. Combined with captivating vocals, intricate choreography and exciting music, Artrageous takes you on a visual journey and a high energy ride of inspiration, creativity, and engagement. Our troupe of artists, musicians, singers and dancers pay tribute to a variety of art forms, icons and musical genres throughout the evening.

Artrageous

Over the course of 35 years, the beloved quartet has sold over 15 million records worldwide and built up an arsenal of hits such as “If I Had $1,000,000,” “One Week,” “Pinch Me,” and “The Big Bang Theory Theme.” Widely acknowledged as one of the best live acts on the planet, BNL has hosted a cruise, had their own Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor, and participated in the first-ever “space-to-earth musical collaboration” with astronaut Chris Hadfield. To date, BNL has amassed eight JUNO Awards, garnered two GRAMMY nominations and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.  In September of 2023, the band released “In Flight”, their 18th studio album.

Barenaked Ladies

David Sedaris is one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. He is a master of satire and one of today’s most observant writers.  Beloved for his personal essays and short stories, David Sedaris is the author of the New York Times best¬sellers Barrel Fever, Holidays on Ice, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, and Calypso.

An Evening With David Sedaris

“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Yes, your favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar®-winning, smash hit, DreamWorks animated film. Tony Award-winning duo Jeanine Tesori (music) and David Lindsay-Abaire (book) revisit their first collaboration to deliver a more intimate and engaging experience – a joyful, colorful SHREK that leans into the humanity in all of us that celebrates our differences. With all-new original direction and choreography by Danny Mefford (Choreographer, Dear Evan Hansen) filled with lush orchestrations, this reimagined production brings the show back to its roots – giving it a new kind of love emphasizing the importance of loving ourselves and one another.

Shrek The Musical

STAYIN’ALIVE offers to their audiences the songs and sights of a full Bee Gees playlist, singing blockbusters such as “Night Fever”, “Jive Talkin’”, “How Deep Is Your Love”, “You Should Be Dancing”, “Nights on Broadway” and “Stayin’ Alive”. In addition, they perform softer poetic ballads such as “I Started a Joke”, “Massachusetts”, “Fanny Be Tender”, “Words” and “To Love Somebody” among other great hits.

Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees

Tom Buckmiller and Brian Schwager were introduced by a mutual friend and band mate in 2015. These two ambitious musicians crossed paths and joined forces on many stages and with multiple bands before forming The Buckmiller | Schwager Band in early 2019. Today they’ve grown in popularity by consistently delivering their electrifying originals and authentic blues classics in a wide range of venues throughout the Midwest. Whether you’re witnessing their high energy duo/trio group or the power of their full band, they consistently engage the audience with their own hard-driving, personalized recipe for the blues.  A few of their accolades include: Winners – Iowa Blues Challenge (2021) – Semi-finalist – International Blues Challenge (2022) – Nominated – Blues Blast Magazine “Emerging Artist Debut Release (2022) -Winners – Best of Story County “Live Music Artist” (2023).

Goldfinch On The Lawn – The Buckmiller/Schwager Band

Hailing from the lively city of Des Moines, IA, Andrew Hoyt is the real deal—a singer/songwriter with roots deeply intertwined in the vibrant heart of the Midwest. He’s all about embracing his artistic side and isn’t afraid to let his creative juices flow. By the way, he’s also a rockstar K-5 vocal music teacher who’s on a mission to inspire the next generation.  A notable facet of Andrew’s musical journey centers around his partnership with the prestigious Hawaiian KoAloha ukulele. This instrument has become his signature.  Recently, Andrew has been signed by the distinguished indie label, Golden Bear Records.

Goldfinch On The Lawn – Andrew Hoyt and Andersen Coates

After 25 years, CHICAGO is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one show stopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. No wonder CHICAGO has been honored with 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, and thousands of standing ovations.

Chicago: The Musical

My name is Royce John Schwienebart, or otherwise known as Royce Johns. I’m a husband, father, guitar picker, and singer/songwriter. I’ve been pickin’ and grinnin’ for the last decade, and have been fortunate enough to work with some talented singers, songwriters, and musicians.

The Goldfinch Room – Royce Johns and Caleb Elliott

Join young Mowgli as he learns the ‘Laws’ of the jungle in this time-honored adventure. With the help of friends like the black panther, Bagheera, and Baloo the lovable bear, Mowgli learns about friendship and survival. Cheer as Mowgli faces his fear and foils his nemesis the tiger Shere Khan. This musical version of Rudyard Kipling’s classic will delight both the young and the young at heart.

The Jungle Book

As climate change continues to have a larger effect on how agriculture works, how are the experts on the ground preparing for the future? Dr. Arti Singh, Dr. Patrick Schnable, and Todd Western III tell us how they see the future of agriculture, from using AI and robots to give farmers a better understanding of their crops in real-time and develop drought-resistance, to providing resources to Iowa’s farmers of color and using environmentally sustainable farming techniques, like regenerative agriculture.

Science Friday Live!

Ballet Des Moines presents See the Music (Hear the Dance), a mesmerizing ballet performance featuring choreography by Artistic Director Tom Mattingly. The performance opens with a world premiere collaboration between Ballet Des Moines and the acclaimed JACK Quartet playing the haunting strains of Philip Glass’ String Quartet No. 5. Mattingly’s choreography wields an incredible collection of world-class artists to bring the soaring piece to life, showcasing the power of live music and movement, from delicate introspection to athletic crescendos.

See the Music (Hear the Dance) Featuring Ballet Des Moines and Jack Quartet

Exclusively at Stephens Auditorium, Ballet Des Moines brings to life the timeless tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, in a world premiere choreographed by Tom Mattingly with live music by the Ballet Des Moines Orchestra. Set to the beloved score by Sergei Prokofiev, this ballet unfolds with passion, drama, and heart-wrenching emotion. Caught in the crosshairs of their feuding families, Romeo and Juliet face insurmountable odds, but their love defies all expectations, leading to a devastating climax. The incredible dancers of Ballet Des Moines pour their hearts into their roles, embodying the intensity of love, longing, and despair. From the languid balcony scene to the fiery fight sequences, every movement reflects the characters’ inner turmoil. Witness the power of love and destiny as Romeo and Juliet unfolds on stage—a ballet that transcends time and touches the soul.

Ballet Des Moines’ Romeo and Juliet

The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it “Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal.” It’s THE BOOK OF MORMON, the nine-time Tony Award® -winning Best Musical.   Contains explicit language.

Ames International Orchestra Festival Association

Apr 26, 2025

Ballet Des Moines’ Romeo and Juliet

Apr 30, 2025

The Book Of Mormon

Mar 25, 2025

Shamrock Tenors

Mar 2, 2025

See the Music (Hear the Dance) Featuring Ballet Des Moines and Aizuri Quartet

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Ames International Orchestra Festival Association