Symphonic music is one of the most powerful and enduring forms of human expression. This is why the Des Moines Symphony & Academy serves our community by performing and teaching this great music that communicates the deepest of emotions, feeds our souls, lifts our spirits and provides joy and beauty to all who listen.

The Des Moines Symphony Orchestra marked a milestone of 85 years of making music during the 2022-2023 season. Two philosophies have been key to our 85 years of success and rich community support — symphonic music is for everyone, and all are welcome at the Symphony.

Every program in our 85th season blended familiar favorites with new experiences, incorporating a wide variety of repertoire, sounds and colors to create a musical tapestry as unique and special as Des Moines itself. In fact, of the 26 pieces in our Masterworks season, nearly half had never been performed on the Civic Center stage.

We have our donors to thank for an incredible season.

2022-2023Season High Notes

Two new artistic initiatives defined our 2022-2023 season. The Season Debut marked the first Harriet S. and J. Locke Macomber Concert, an annual series aimed at presenting once-in-a-lifetime works and internationally renowned soloists. As part of our first Fred & Charlotte Hubbell Artist In Residence program, violinist Kevin Zhu spent five days working with Academy students, leading master classes and visiting area high schools before performing with the Des Moines Symphony at the Civic Center.

We are grateful to you, our generous donors, for empowering us to create these exceptional experiences for our Central Iowa audiences.

  • Concerts Performed

  • Pieces Performed

  • Musicians for Each Masterworks Concert

  • Total Attendance

29% Donor Support $928,348
1% Government Support $40,000
29% Ticket Sales & Performance Fees $925,403
8% Symphony Academy Tuition $261,149
33% Des Moines Symphony Foundation $1,058,300
Total $3,213,200
64% Artistic Programs $2,612,792
14% Management & General $568,335
14% Symphony Academy Programs $501,754
8% Fundraising $312,224
Total $3,995,105

Beneficial Interest in the Des Moines Symphony Foundation

Income and Expenses, combined with the Change in Beneficial Interest in the Des Moines Symphony Foundation, resulted in an increase in Net Assets of $237,787 for the fiscal year 2022-2023.

We have been season subscribers for 25 years. The DMSO has never been better!

Attending a Symphony performance is always a highlight for me. I appreciate the quality, variety and enthusiasm of each concert.

I am always amazed at the sheer sound of the Orchestra, the clarity and articulation of the music.

I am so lucky to have world class music in my own backyard!

To me, there is nothing like a live musical performance. The creative energy sends my heart soaring!