Des Moines Symphony News

Meet The Harlem String Quartet 09/16/2026 In Symphony News

The Harlem String Quartet makes joins the symphony, performing Michael Abel's Urban Legends at Unity - American Mosaic & West Side Story. Read more about him before attending the performances on September 26 & 27, 2026 at the Des Moines Civic Center!

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Unity – American Mosaic & West Side Story Program Notes 09/09/2026 In Symphony News

Read about the music and composers featured in Unity - American Mosaic & West Side Story on September 26 & 27, 2026.

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Des Moines Symphony's Fifth Annual Fred & Charlotte Hubbell Visiting Artists In Residence Program 09/08/2026 In Symphony News

The Fred & Charlotte Hubbell Visiting Artist in Residence Program brings outstanding national and international musicians to Des Moines for an annual residency. Read about our 2026-2027 Artist In Residence, the Harlem Quartet, and their week of activities.

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The Harriet S. & J. Locke Macomber Concert 09/03/2026 In Symphony News

Read about Harriet S. & J. Locke Macomber, who have generously donated so the Des Moines Symphony can continue to bring exciting and enriching symphonic experiences to the Greater Des Moines area.

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5 Ways Music Supports Healthy Aging 08/19/2026 In Symphony News

Music has a way of reaching us that few other things can match. Maybe it's the song that always brings back a favorite memory from your youth, or the one you used to sing to your kids at bedtime. That connection does more than stir up good memories. Research increasingly shows that listening to music, playing an instrument, or singing with others can strengthen memory, ease depression, and even lower the risk of dementia in older adults.

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A Family-Friendly Afternoon of Music, Movies & Magic 07/30/2026 In Symphony News

Make your Labor Day weekend Sunday afternoon a family adventure at Cinematic Magic, a free celebration of music, movies and fun at Water Works Park! Starting at 4:00 PM, kids can explore the Children’s Village, enjoy hands-on activities from local arts and community organizations, grab a bite from food trucks and even try their hand at playing the violin or cello. Then, at 5:30 PM, the Des Moines Symphony takes the stage for a free concert featuring music from favorite movies and musicals, including Frozen, Harry Potter, Wicked, Toy Story, Star Wars and more. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and experience the magic of the movies...live!

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How the Symphony Builds Stronger Communities 07/22/2026 In Symphony News

Symphony orchestras are far more than entertainment venues—they are valuable civic assets that strengthen both local economies and communities. Orchestras generate jobs, attract tourism, support nearby businesses, and contribute to the arts sector’s significant economic impact. Beyond financial benefits, they foster civic pride, cultural identity, and social connection through shared musical experiences, educational programs, and community partnerships. By bringing diverse audiences together, symphony performances encourage empathy, belonging, and stronger community engagement.

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What Happens in Your Brain When You Listen to Music? 07/13/2026 In Symphony News

Have you ever felt a song instantly lift your mood, bring back a forgotten memory, or give you chills from head to toe? Music does far more than entertain us. Scientists have discovered that listening to music activates some of the most powerful systems in the human brain, influencing emotions, memory, movement, learning, and even physical health.
Understanding how our brains process these sounds reveals why live performances feel so transformative, and why supporting community music organizations matters so deeply.

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Summer 2026 Pops: Free Outdoor Concerts in Des Moines 06/19/2026 In Symphony News

Experience a thrilling lineup of free, outdoor performances with the Des Moines Symphony!

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The Power of Live Music in a Digital World 05/06/2026 In Symphony News

In a cultural moment defined by algorithm-curated playlists, on-demand streaming, and noise-canceling headphones, something surprising is happening inside concert halls across the country: The symphony orchestra, one of humanity's oldest and most sophisticated musical institutions, is finding renewed relevance in a world that told it to become irrelevant.

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Des Moines Symphony News

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Your support of music in our community is more important now than ever!