Our past Season was one of special significance due to the investment of nearly 800 individuals, corporations and foundations totaling $1.6 million in Annual Fund gifts. Their support made it possible for more than 140,305 Central Iowans to enjoy great symphonic music at the Des Moines Civic Center, on the Iowa State Capitol grounds during Yankee Doodle Pops and through Water Works Pops – our brand new summer concert series. Thank you!

2018-2019 Season Highlights

Growing Our Artistic Excellence

  • Through the generosity of longtime supporters, Eileen and Paul Tyler, we recognized Des Moines Symphony musician Kevin Judge with a prestigious named chair – the Eileen and Paul Tyler Principal Bassoon Chair.
  • The Symphony continues to attract musicians from across the country for auditions, which is a testament to its artistic excellence. Three new talented musicians won auditions to join the Symphony – Madeline Capistran and Bethany Washington, 2nd violin and Andrew Bishop, Principal Trumpet. In addition, current Orchestra musician, Matthew Halbert, won the audition for Bass Trombone.

Expanding & Broadening Our Audiences

Expanding Access to Music Education

  • More than 5,000 4th and 5th grade elementary students joined us at the Civic Center for our annual school-day Youth Concerts in March. For many, this was the first time they experienced live symphonic music in concert. As one attendee exclaimed, it’s their “favorite field trip of the year.”
  • Building upon the success of the Symphony Academy Youth Orchestras program, we introduced the Youth Wind Ensemble this spring. Over 30 middle and high school students participated in this brand new ensemble in its first year. Learn more about the ensemble here!
  • Each year, select members of the Youth Symphony are invited to participate in a number of Youth Orchestras Honors Ensembles. Last season, the Youth Orchestras Honors String Quartet was awarded First Place in the Finals of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Youth Chamber Music Competition. Read about the Youth Orchestras Honors Ensembles program and learn about the quartet's First Place Award

Serving Our Community