Des Moines Symphony

TICKETS
Tickets are $15 for the concert and $20 for the concert and a PB&J lunch. Children 24 months and under are FREE. A 10% discount to groups of 10 or more is also available. To buy tickets call Nikki Syverson at the Des Moines Symphony 515-280-4017 or log on to www.dmsymphony.org to purchase online. Space is limited, so order your tickets today!

ABOUT JUSTIN ROBERTS
As a former Montessori preschool teacher, Justin Roberts has made his mark in the children's music scene. Justin has released several CDs including his latest POPFLY. Justin is the recipient of several Parents' Choice Gold Awards and his last three CDs have all been in Amazon.com's top 10 Children's CDs of the year. We are proud to say that Justin is a Des Moines native and an alumnus of Roosevelt High School. For more information, concert updates and merchandise, visit www.justinroberts.org.

Funds raised from the PAJAMA-RAMA concert will help support the Des Moines Symphony Academy programs and scholarships. Established in 2003, the Academy currently provides music education over 400 students annually. The Academy offers music instruction for infants through adults and turns no student away due to financial inabilities. As many music programs are being cut in public schools due to budget restraints, it is imperative that the Academy thrives in the greater Des Moines area so that the community's youth are able to benefit from the many advantages of music education.

Start your Symphony season off right with a celebratory dinner prior to the Joshua Bell concert!

Gala Dinner Directions

The Gala Opening Night Dinner will be held at People's Court at 216 Court Avenue (the SE corner of 3rd and Court Avenue). Parking is available at the parking ramp located at the NE corner of 3rd and Court Avenue (enter on 3rd) and also on the streets surrounding the area. Both People's Court and the parking ramp are located just two blocks south of the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines.

Violinist extraordinaire Joshua Bell of The Red Violin fame will make his debut with the Des Moines Symphony at this festive gala concert. The orchestra will open the concert and show off its virtuosity with Richard Strauss' portrayal of the insatiable lover Don Juan, followed by one of Tchaikovsky's most scenic and familiar pieces, Capriccio Italien. This concert will deserve your Ovation!

Media partner: KCCI TV–8

About Joshua Bell

GALA DINNER
There's no better way to kick of the season and celebrate 70 years of the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra than with our Gala Opening Night Dinner. Join us for fine wine and an exceptional meal to make your Gala evening complete. Reservations are now being accepted. Black–tie optional.

Happy Hour With The Des Moines Symphony Orchestra

Free Admission, Free Appetizers & Cash Bar with Specialty Martinis

Register to win a $50 gift certificate to River Bend Trading Company.

Symphony with a Twist was developed to encourage young people to discover the symphony in a casual atmosphere. During this happy hour, mingle with your peers and enjoy  insight into orchestral music. An open rehearsal will take place during the second half of the event and will feature the music of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition which will be performed at the Symphony's concerts on October 20 and 21.

Strauss: Overture to “Die Fledermaus” (The Bat)

Dvorak: Noonday Witch

Saint-Saens: Danse Macabre

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition

The supernatural has long been a part of literature, drama and music. Our season of celebration has a spooky start, featuring music that is chilling, thrilling, and spine-tingling. It begins with the overture to Strauss’ beloved operetta Die Fledermaus and Dvorak’s Noonday Witch. The Des Moines Symphony’s own Jonathan Sturm is featured in the mysterious Danse Macabre based on Henri Cazalalis’ death poem. The expressive Pictures at an Exhibition invokes the imagination and ends this concert on a majestic note.

During the concert the lobbies will showcase our own Pictures at an Exhibition with artwork from local area students. Select Des Moines schools (grade school through college) will participate in a music enrichment activity. Students will have the chance to hear a quartet play this work and draw what the music has inspired in them. Twelve drawings will be showcased in the lobbies during the concert. Drawings will be placed with plaque cards telling the artist, age and school. Concert attendees will be able to see how music can relate to art and how age interprets music.

Strauss: Overture to “Die Fledermaus” (The Bat)

Dvorak: Noonday Witch

Saint-Saens: Danse Macabre

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition

The supernatural has long been a part of literature, drama and music. Our season of celebration has a spooky start, featuring music that is chilling, thrilling, and spine-tingling. It begins with the overture to Strauss’ beloved operetta Die Fledermaus and Dvorak’s Noonday Witch. The Des Moines Symphony’s own Jonathan Sturm is featured in the mysterious Danse Macabre based on Henri Cazalalis’ death poem. The expressive Pictures at an Exhibition invokes the imagination and ends this concert on a majestic note.

During the concert the lobbies will showcase our own Pictures at an Exhibition with artwork from local area students. Select Des Moines schools (grade school through college) will participate in a music enrichment activity. Student will have the chance to hear a quartet perform this work and draw what the music has inspired in them. Twelve drawings will be showcased in the lobbies during the concert. Drawings will be placed with plaque cards telling the artist, age and school. Concert attendees will be able to see how music can relate to art and how age interprets music.

DBR - Daniel Bernard Roumain, Violin

Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances

Roumain: Voodoo Violin Concerto No. 1

Tchaikovksy: March Slavonic

The revolutionary composer, performer and band leader, Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) will perform his Voodoo Violin Concerto No. 1, which mixes Haitian folk phrases, improve and American hymns into one stellar piece. From the energetic rhythms and romantic themes of Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances to Tchaikovsky’s brilliant and majestic March Slavonic, you will not want to miss this extraordinary program.

DBR - Daniel Bernard Roumain, Violin

Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances

Roumain: Voodoo Violin Concerto No. 1

Tchaikovksy: March Slavonic

Des Moines Choral Society, James Rodde, Director

Carrie Mineck, Soprano
Korby Myrick, Alto
Eduardo Alberto Tercero, Tenor
Brian Major, Baritone

The Des Moines Symphony performs Handel’s beloved setting of Messiah with soloists and chorus. Maestro Giunta will recreate the 1743 London version, adding some of Mozart’s suggestions. This rich, insightful oratorio inspires emotion and stirs the soul.

Banker’s Trust presents

I Got Rhythm, Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland Songbook

Jeff Harnar
Shauna Hicks

December 31, 8 p.m.

Hoyt Sherman Place is the perfect venue to celebrate the past and dream about the future. The Des Moines Symphony is pleased to share the stage this New Year’s Eve with two charming performers in a tribute to Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. This nostalgic performance features some of the greatest songs and song writers of all time, including selections by George and Ira Gershwin, Richard Rogers, Lorenzo Hart and Harold Arlen. Ring in 2008 with a sure fire bang and join the Des Moines Symphony for New Year’s Eve!

Media Partner: KCCI TV-8

World-renowned violinist, Midori, will be in Des Moines January 29-February3 for the Midori Orchestra Residency Program hosted by the Des Moines Symphony Academy. During her week-long Reidency Midori will be working with area youth, the Greater Des Moines Youth Symphony, area schools and the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra.

Part of the Midori Orchestra Residency our youth symphonies have the chance to not only learn from Midori but play with Midori. This concert is FREE and open to the public. Come hear the wonderful talent of the Greater Des Moines Youth Symphonies and Midori.

Midori, Violin

von Weber: Jubel Overture

Hindemith: Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber

Shostakovich: Violin Concerto No. 1, Opus 77 (99)

The Des Moines Symphony is honored to be selected as one of two orchestras in the country to be a site for the Midori Orchestra Residency Program. Her week in Des Moines includes working with Symphony Academy students, classroom visits and master classes culminating with her performance of one of the great twentieth century concertos by Russian composer Shostakovich.

von Weber: Jubel Overture

Hindemith: Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber

Shostakovich: Violin Concerto No. 1, Opus 77 (99)

The Des Moines Symphony is honored to be selected as one of two orchestras in the country to be a site for the Midori Orchestra Residency Program. Her week in Des Moines includes working with Symphony Academy students, classroom visits and master classes culminating with her performance of one of the great twentieth century concertos by Russian composer Shostakovich.

 Mesia Partner: KCCI TV-8

Leopold Stokowski’s admiration of Bach, Alan Hovhaness’ love of mountains and Gustov Holst’s fascination with space makes this program a labor of love. The Planets has become a favorite among concert-goers and will truly inspire with breathtaking photography from several of NASA’s unmanned spacecrafts.

Media Partner: KCCI TV-8

The Des Moines Symphony Academy Presents Pajama-Rama with Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players. Des Moines' favorite children's band is back for another rockin' concert to benefit the Des Moines Symphony Academy!

Join Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players for a concert that is bound to have the whole family grooving. As a critically acclaimed artist and winner of several Parents Choice Gold Awards, Justin keeps children and adults alike bopping to his fun, infectious beats. Don your favorite PJ's, bring a pillow for up-close children's seating and get ready for one fun pajama party!

And don't forget to make reservcations for the post-concert PJ's and PB&J lunch!

This concert will be held on Saturday, April 12 at 11am (doors open at 10:30 am) at the Scottish Rite Consistory. Free parking will be available at the Park & Ride Ramp located on 7th and Center Street.

Tickets are $15 for the concert, or $20 for the concert and PB&J lunch. Groups of 10 or more will receive a 10% discount (must be purchased as a group). Children 24 months and younger are FREE.

If you have any questions or to order tickets, please contact Nikki Syverson at 515.280.4017 or nikki@dmsymphony.org

Our season finale begins with the peaceful and life affirming warmth of Jean Sibelius’ music. Christopher O’Riley, most widely known for his NPR show “From the Top,” shows his own talent on the keyboard with the Ravel Concerto in G minor. Closing this season o f celebration is Saint-Saens’ majestic organ symphony. With its energetic and triumphant finale, this is a wonderful conclusion to the Symphony’s 70^th anniversary season.

For single tickets, click here.

The Des Moines Symphony Academy is giving you 5 Chances to Win! Order a Raffle ticket and you could win:

$1,000 to spend at Joseph's Jewelers.

$500 to dine at Des Moines' hottest restaurants.

A wine tasting for 20 and a two-month wine club membership from WineStyles.

A private performance by an Academy ensemble.

Or even a chance to take a free class at the Academy.

For purchasing a ticket, you and a guest may join us at the Symphony Academy Year-End Celebration, where the winning tickets will be drawn. Come enjoy refreshments and music at 6:00 p.m. on May 13, 2008 at the Temple for Performing Arts.  

6:30 Josh Davis Band

8:30 Des Moines Symphony with Craig Schulman

Join us on the West Capitol Terrace for our annual Independence holiday tradition, Yankee Doodle Pops! This year, Broadway star, Craig Schulman, will join the stage to delight us with Broadway favorites in addition to our traditional patriotic tunes. And of course, the concert will culminate with the area's preier fireworks display! Bring your picnic basket or enjoy food and beverages from some of our wonderful vendors!

A new element this year is the joint effort of Governor and First Lady Culver, special guest soloist Simon Estes, the Des Moines SYmphony and Bank of the West for the 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund. The 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund aims to help our neighbors throughout the state to rebuild after the recent devastating natrual occurrences. Following Craig Schulman's performance, Simon Estes will perform Old Man Riber, You'll Never Walk Along and God Bless America. During and following Simon Estes' performance volunteers will be collecting donation throughout the audience. All proceeds from special donations made at Yankee Doodle Pops and throughout the month of July will go directly for disaster relief in Iowa.

Presenting Sponsor: Bank of the West

Additional Support: James M. Collier and BRAVO! Greater Des Moines

Media Partner: KCCI TV-8

Radio Partner: Lite 104.1

Please keep in mind that fireworks, sparklers, alcohol and smoking is not permitted on State Grounds.

Parking information to come soon!

EXCLUSIVE VIEWING PARTY

Celebrate our nation's independence in style with our annual Exclusive Viewing Party for Yankee Doodle Pops. Atop the Historical Building you'll be treated to a gourmet picnic meal and a VIP view of both the concert and the fireworks. Pre- and post-concert music, champagne and all your friends make this the perfect way to enjoy Des Moines' greatest patriotic tradition.

About Craig Schulman

The Symphony is thrilled to bring Grammy award winning artist Amy Grant to open our season of "favorites," for one stellar night. As one of the industry's chart-topping music icons, Amy has produced hundreds of inspiring hits that will take your breath away. With her soul-stirring songs, Amy quickly became a favorite in country and pop music, and is now performing sold-out concerts with many orchestras including the Nashville Symphony.

Presented by Principal Financial Group 
Media Partner: KCCI TV-8

Gala Opening Dinner

The Gala Opening Dinner is like opening one great present, knowing another fantastic one is on its way. Join us in true Opening Night tradition for fine wine and cuisine prior to the Opening Night Concert with Amy Grant. This will certainly be one gift you'll be glad you opened early!

Des Moines Symphony's Gala Dinner and Post-Party

In conjuction with the Gala Concert with Amy Grant
Saturday, September 20
Dinner begins at 5:00

100 Locust Street, Des Moines (the former Central Library location)

Five station tapas menu

Come back after the concert for dessert, music and a change to honor our Maestro

$165 a person (a portion will be tax-deductible)
Black-tie optional

For more information or to reserve your seats, call Nikki Syverson at 515.280.4017 by Friday, September 5.

Gala Evening Presenting Sponsor

Principal Financial Group

Additional Support from:

BRAVO Greater Des Moines
ING

Beverage Sponsor:

Stan and Gail Richards

Happy Hour with the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra.

MUSIC. FOOD. DRINKS. FRIENDS.A
A symphony experience for young professionals.

Join the orchestra as they prepare for their upcomingconcert.

Temple for Performing Arts, Fourth Floor, Grand Hall

6-8pm
Free Admission and Appetizers

Wagner: Rienzi Overture
Poulsen: Heartland Poem
Mahler: Symphony #1 

This concert features music of the Maestro's past and future. The orchestra will perform Mahler's abstract yer entertaining Symphony #1, which was Maestro Giunta's audition piece for our symphony. Wagner's dramatic Rienzi Overture was on his first program book as music director of the Des Moines Symphony twenty years ago. Take awalk down memory lane as Maestro Giunta and the orchestra bring new perspectives adn insights to these engagin pieces. Melding the past with the future of the symphony, we look forward to the world-premiere of our commissioned piece, Heartland Poem.

Wagner: Riezni Overture
Poulsen: Heartland Poem
Mahler: Symphony #1

This conert features music of the Maestro's past and future. The orchestra will perform Mahler's abstract yet entertaining Symphony #1, which was Maestro Giunta's audtion piece for our symphony. Wagner's dramatic Rienzi Overture was on his frist program book as music director of the Des Moines Symphony twenty years ago. Take a walk down memory lane as Maestro Giunta and the orchestra bring new perspectives and insights to these engaging pieces. Melding the past with the future of the symphony, we look forward to the world-premiere of our commissioned piece, Heartland Poem.

Come hear the youth of the greater Des Moines area perform in their first concert of the 2008-09 season. At 7:30pm the Youth Symphony and Chamber Orchestra will take stage for a FREE concert in the Grand Hall at the Temple for Performing Arts.

*Concert schedule subject to change.

Come hear the youth of the greater Des Moines area perform their first concert of the 2008-09 season. The Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a FREE concert in the Grand Hall at the Temple for Performing Arts.

*Concert schedule subject to change.

Waner Bros. Studios presents

Bugs Bunny on Broadway
George Daugherty, Conducting

"Bugs Bunny on Broadway" celebrates the golden age of Warner Bros. classic cartoons as your favorite Looney Tunes are projected on the big screen-including What's Opera, Doc?, The Rabbit of Seville, and Corny Concerto-while the Des Moines Symphony plays their extraordinary original Carl Stalling scores LIVE! This is a must-see concert for all ages.

Hear the Philharmonic Youth Orchestra one hour prior to the concert in the East Lobby. The pre-concert Prelude Talk with Arlene DeVries will be held one-hour prior to the concert in the West Balcony Lounge.

Warner Bros. Studios present

Bugs Bunny on Broadway
George Daugherty, Conducting

"Bugs Bunny on Broadway" celebrates the golden age of Warner Bros. classic cartoons as your favorite Looney Tunes are projecteed on the big screen-including What's Opera, Doc?, The Rabbit of Seville, and Corny Concerto-while the Des Moines Symphony plays their extraordinary original Carl Stalling scores LIVE! This is a must-see concert for all ages.

Hear the Philharmonic Youth Orchestra one-hour prior to the concert in the East Lobby. The pre-concert Prelude Talk with Arlene DeVries will be held one-hour before the concert in the West Balcony Lounge.

Featuring piano students of Sophia Ahmad

Grand Hall

Featuring piano students of Anne Stein

Grand Hall

Des Moines Symphony ORCHESTRA
Cirque de la Symphonie
Joseph Giunta, Conducting 

Colton Peltier, Piano
Jonathan Sturm, Violin

Soar into 2009 with a unique performance you can only experience with the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy the magic of cirque performances and great classical music all in one night as Cirque de la Symphonie takes stage with contortionists, jugglers and aerial flyers. Young pianist, Colton Peltier will share the stage with the orchestra as he performs everyone's jazzy-favorite, Rhapsody in Blue. And our own, Jonathan Sturm will entice you with another wonderful solo performance. Reserve your seats now for this incredivle one-night event.

Media Partner: KCCI TV-8

The Des Moines Symphony Sinfonia Youth Orchestra Concert is postponed due to inclement weather. The Sinfonia Orchestra will perform on Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1, 45-minutes prior to Des Moines Symphony concert, Unmasked Melodies.

Unmasked Melodies features Swiss pianist Andreas Haefliger on Saturday, January 31 at 8pm and Sunday, February 1 at 2:30pm.

*Concert schedule subject to change.

MOZART     Magic Flute Overture
MOZART     Piano Concerto No. 15
DVORAK    Symphony No. 6 

Today, 253 years after his birth, the music of Mozart still speaks to us, moves us and its beauty and genius leave us breathless. Acclaimed Swiss pianist Andreas Haefliger joins Joseph Giunta and our gifted musicians in the virtuosic Piano Concerto No. 15, Mozarts' groundbreaking collaboration between soloist and orchestra; performed for the first time ever in Des Moines. That, and the timeliness melodies of The Magic Flute and...spirited Dvorak.

Experience live, the extraordinary music of Mozart. 

Exclusive Sponsor: Healthcare Circle
A collaborative group of healthcare professions supporting the symphony.

MOZART     Magic Flute Overture
MOZART     Piano Concerto No. 15
DVORAK    Symphony No. 6 

Today, 253 years after his birth, the music of Mozart still speaks to us, moves us and its beauty and genius leave us breathless. Acclaimed Swiss pianist Andreas Haefliger joins Joseph Giunta and our gifted musicians in the virtuosic Piano Concerto No. 15, Mozarts' groundbreaking collaboration between soloist and orchestra; performed for the first time ever in Des Moines. That, and the timeliness melodies of The Magic Flute and...spirited Dvorak.

Experience live, the extraordinary music of Mozart. 

Exclusive Sponsor: Healthcare Circle
A collaborative group of healthcare professions supporting the Symphony

Happy Hour with the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra
6-8pm

Free Admission and Appetizers  
Temple for Performing Arts, Grand Hall (4th floor)

MUSIC. FOOD. DRINKS. FRIENDS.
A symphony experience for young professionals.

Join Joseph Giunta and the musicians as they rehearse for Symphony-Palooza. Get an inside look at the music and the musicians during this laid-back, informal rehearsal.

Don't forget to register while you are there for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Fong's Pizza. 

4-6pm
Grand Hall, 4th floor

The Des Moines Symphony Orchestra & Academy will kick- off their annual residency with this year's composer in residence, Andrew Norman. Enjoy refreshments and talk with Mr. Norman from 5-6pm.

Prior to the Q&A session join us for the Youth Orchestra's Spring Concert.

This concert and kick-off are FREE and open to the public.

For more information on the 2008 Composer Residency visit www.dmsymphony.org/academy

3-5pm
Grand Hall, 4th floor

The Composition Master Class is a great way to see into the world of composition and orchestration.

 Three Iowa composers have been chosen to have their pieces played by the Academy Faculty String Quartet and feedback provided by Mr. Norman. Participants include Varun Ramaswamy, Samuel Wells and Aaron Kirschner.

For more information on the Composer Residency visit www.dmsymphony.org/academy

Adams: Lollapalooza
Project: Random Roads Suite
Beethoven: Symphony #7

The cold winter weather is on its way out and Maestro Giunta and the Des Moiens Symphony are ready to party! The concert starts off with John Adams' outlandish party piece, Lollapalooza. The jazzy, classically-infused trio, PROJECT, will perform their composition, Random Roads Suite. These young, talented musicians are creating exciting music that will blow you away. The party concludes with the frenzied and dizzy finale that will leave you dancing in your seat with Beethoven's Symphony #7.

Media Partner: KCCI TV-8

Adams: Lollapalooza
Project: Random Roads Suite
Beethoven: Symphony #7

The cold winter weather is on its way out and Maestro Giunta and the Des Moines Symphony are ready to party! The concert starts off with John Adams' outlandish party piece Lollapalooza. The jazzy, classically-infused trio, PROJECT, will perform their composition, Random Roads Suite. These young, talented musicians are creating exciting music that will blow you away. The party concludes with the frenzied and dizzy finale that will leave you dancing in your seat with Beethoven's Symphony #7.

Media Partner: KCCI TV-8

Pajama-Rama
with Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players

Des Moines' favorite children's band is back for another rockin' concert to benefit the Des Moines Symphony Academy!

Join Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players for a concert that is bound to have the whole family grooving. As a critically acclaimed artist and winner of several Parents Choice Gold Awards, Justin keeps children and adults alike bopping to his fun, infections beats. Don your favorite PJs, bring a pillow for up-close children's seating and get ready for one fun pajama party! And don't forget to make reservations for the post-concert PJs and PB&J lunch sponsored by Anderson Erickson Dairy.

Saturday, March 28, 2009
11:00 a.m. (doors open at 10:30)
Scottish Rite Consistory, 519 Park Street
Free parking available at the Park & Ride Ramp located at 7^th and Center Streets (2 blocks NW of Scottish Rite)

$15 for concert
$20 for concert and lunch
Free admission for children 24 months and under
10% discount for groups of 10 or more paid admissions (must purchase as a group)

For group orders please call Nikki at 280-4017.

Presented by Banker's Trust
Lunch sponsor: Anderson Erickson Dairy
Media partner: ABC5

Beethoven: Consecration of the House Overture
Schumann: Symphony #3
Brahms: Violin Concerto

One of classical music's most fascinating and gifted performers, Sarah Chang, will captivate you with her rendition of one of the most important violin works, Brahm's Violin Concerto. A winner of the Avery Fisher Award, Sarah's profound performance will strike a major chord. Maestro Giunta and the orchestra will take you on a journey down the Rhine River with music by Beethoven and Schumann.

Beethoven: Consecration of the House Overture
Schumann: Symphony #3
Brahms: Violin Concerto

One of classical music's most fascinating and gifted performers, Sarah Chang, will captivate you with her rendition of one of the most important violin works, Brahm's Violin Concerto. A winner of the Avery Fisher Award, Sarah's profound performance will strike a major chord. Maestro Giunta and the orchestra will take you on a journey down the Rhine River with music by Beethoven and Schumann.

The Philharmonic Orchestra performs their final concert of the season in the Grand Hall of the Temple of Performing Arts. The concert is FREE and open to the public. Bring the whole family and support the talented youth of greater Des Moines.

*Concert schedule subject to change.

Rachmaninoff/Cailliet: Preludes
Rachmaninoff: Caprice Bohemien
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concert #1

As Maestro Giunta shares one final memory celebrating this 20th anniversary with the Des Moines Symphony, he is reunited with close friend, pianist Arnaldo Cohen. Cohen has long been charming audiences with the musical strength and skill of his performances. This Russian program includes the little-known and virtuosic Caprice Bohemien by Rachmaninoff. Ending the season, Cohen will energize you with this wild and exciting rendition of Tchaikovsky's Piano Conerto #1.

Rachmaninoff/Cailliet: Preludes
Rachmaninoff: Caprice Bohemien
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto #1

As Maestro Giunta shares one final memory celebrating his 20th anniversary with the Des Moines Symphony, he is reunited with close friend, pianist Arnaldo Cohen. Cohen has long been charming audiences with the musical strength and skill of his performances. This Russian program incldues the little-known and virtuosic Caprice Bohemien by Rachmaninoff. Ending the season, Cohen will energize you with his wild and exciting rendition of Tchaikovsky's Piano Conerto #1.

Pianists include Academy faculty members Ray Songayllo (recital organizer), Sophia Ahmad, John Helmich, Anne Stein, and Jenny Graham Zimmerman.  Also featured will be Bob Lien, friend of the Academy and well-known Des Moines piano instructor and performer, and Varun Ramaswamy, Academy piano student.  Works by Bach, Dvorak, Pennario, Ravel, Smetana, Songayllo, and many more!

The Sinfonia Orchestra will take the stage for one final performance for the 2008-09 season. This concert is held in the Grand Hall of the Temple for Performing Arts and is FREE and open to the public. Bring your whole family and support the talented youth of the greater Des Moines area.

*Concert schedule subject to change.

Thursday, July 2, 2009
FREE
Iowa State Capitol Grounds

6:30 Roxi Copland Band (as part of Metro Arts' Jazz in July)
8:30 Des Moines Symphony with Brad Little

Join us on the West Capitol Terrace for our 15^th annual Independence holiday tradition, Yankee Doodle Pops! Joining the stage with our Orchestra will be Broadway star Brad Little of Phantom of the Opera fame.  And of course, the concert will culminate with the area's premier fireworks display! Bring your picnic basket or enjoy food and beverages from some of our wonderful vendors!

MAKE A FOOD DONATION!
Anyone who brings at least two non-perishable food items to donate to the Food Bank of Iowa will receive a buy-one, get-one free coupon to use at any Symphony classical concert during the 2009-2010 season. Items can be dropped off on-site on Finkbine Street or on E. Walnut in the Public Safety Lot (Lot 21). Or if you're not able to attend the event, drop off your non-perishable food items at any Dahl's or Bank of the West locations June 22 - July 4. (Symphony coupons will only be given at the Yankee Doodle Pops event.)

Enjoy Yankee Doodle Pops in style at the Viewing Party

Presenting Sponsor: Bank of the West
Supporting Sponsors: Dahl's Foods , James M. Collier and BRAVO! Greater Des Moines
Media partner: KCCI TV-8 Radio partner: Lite 104.1

Please keep in mind that fireworks, sparklers, alcohol and smoking is not permitted on the State Grounds.

Parking is available on the streets and in state lots surrounding the Capitol. Lot 10 at the corner of E. 9th and Des Moines Streets is reserved specifically for attendees with ADA designation on their vehicles. The parking ramp on Penn and Grand is open to the public and parking is also available in downtown parking ramps.

For those who require a shorter walk to the concert site, a designated drop-off is available on the corner of Grand and Pennsylvania.

NEW!!!
Meredith Corporation Foundation presents
LOLLIPOPS: PETER & THE WOLF
MUSIC that...PLAYS

Joseph Giunta, conducting
Magic Circle Mime Co.

Join Joseph Giunta and the Orchestra along with the renowned Magic Mine Circle Co. to assist and outwit a wolf that threatens mayhem on the Orchestra and audience. Magic Circle and the musicians will transform the hall into a LIVE! version of Prokoviev's exciting musical story. A great experience for the whole family!

Pre-Concert Festival at 10am in the Lobby; including the Des Moines Symphony Academy's Instrument Petting Zoo.

SEASON DEBUT
MUSIC that...IGNITES

Joseph Giunta, conducting
Chu-Fang Huang, piano

ROSSINI           Overture to La gazza ladra
BEETHOVEN       Symphony No. 5
LISZT               Piano Concerto No. 1
RESPIGHI         The Pines of Rome

SEASON DEBUT
MUSIC that...IGNITES

Joseph Giunta, conducting
Chu-Fang Huang, piano

ROSSINI          Overture to La gazza ladra
BEETHOVEN      Symphony No. 5
LISZT              Piano Concerto No. 1
RESPIGHI         The Pines of Rome 

This concert is FREE and open to the public.

ABOUT COMPOSER RAY SONGAYLLO
Ray Songayllo is an esteemed Academy Faculty member. Among his many achievements, he has received grants from the Meet the Composer and the Minnesota Composers Forum. As a composer, he has had numerous works presented in various venues, colleges and university events, festivals and conferences, and notably, in Fontainebleau, working in composition at the Conservatoire Americaine.  

BRIGHT SHENG
MUSIC that...CONNECTS

Bright Sheng, conducting
Yang Wei, pipa

SHOSTAKOVICH          Festive Overture
Bright SHENG              Nanking! Nanking!
Bright SHENG              Tibetan Swing
SHOSTAKOVICH          Symphony No. 9

BRIGHT SHENG
MUSIC that...CONNECTS

Bright Sheng, conducting
Yang Wei, pipa

SHOSTAKOVICH          Festive Overture
Bright SHENG              Nanking! Nanking!
Bright SHENG              Tibetan Swing
SHOSTAKOVICH          Symphony No. 9

GIUNTA CONDUCTS MAHLER
MUSIC that...TRANSCENDS

Joseph Giunta, conducting
The Drake University Choir & Community Chorus
Aimee Beckman-Collier, Director

MAHLER          Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection"

GIUNTA CONDUCTS MAHLER
MUSIC that...TRANSCENDS

Joseph Giunta, conducting
The Drake University Choir & Community Chorus
Aimee Beckman-Collier, Director

MAHLER          Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection"

NEW YEAR'S EVE POPS
FRANK'S WAY
A TRIBUTE TO FRANK SINATRA
with STEVE LIPPIA adn the Des Moines Big Band
Jim Oatts, Director
MUSIC that...SWINGS

Joseph Giunta, conducting

Join Joseph Giunta and the musicians for our annual New Year's Eve Pops. This year we ring in the New Year Frank's Way with a tribute to Frank Sinatra. Steve Lippia brings to life the songs we love including My Way, New York, New York, The Lady Is A Tramp, Strangers In The Night and many more as the Symphony and the Des Moines Big Band in their first ever collaboration, swing to the original arrangements made famous through millions of recordings sold 'round the world.

FOUR SEASONS OF DANCE
MUSIC that...MOVES

Joseph Giunta, conducting
Jonathan Sturm, violin

CHABRIER                 Espana
TCHAIKOVKSY           Music from Sleeping Beauty
PIAZZOLLA               The Four Seasons
RAVEL                      La Valse

FOUR SEASONS OF DANCE
MUSIC that...MOVES

Joseph Giunta, conducting
Jonathan Sturm, violin

CHABRIER                Espana
TCHAIKOVKSY          Music from Sleeping Beauty
PIAZZOLLA              The Four Seasons
RAVEL                     La Valse

JUDY GARLAND IN CONCERT
MUSIC that...SINGS

A collaboration with the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines.

Hear the legendary vocals, see the performances on three giant screens, all accompanied live in perfect synchronization by the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra. Experience Judy Garland's treasured repertoire including The Trolley Song, The Man That Got Away and Over The Rainbow. Commissioned and premiered by the Boston Pops, this is a thrilling special event you won't want to miss!

Sophia Ahmad's studio piano recital will be held in the Grand Hall at 7pm. This concert is FREE and open to the public.