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Artist's Sketch: The Des Moines Symphony
The range of music that is “born and bred” in Iowa is incredible – from the heavy metal band Slipknot to the blues music that flourishes along the Mississippi River. Local symphony orchestras of outstanding quality are found across the state as well. Among them, the Des Moines Symphony shines brightly.
A full-service professional orchestra, the Des Moines Symphony employs 87 musicians under the tutelage of Maestro Joseph Giunta as well as 10 full-time staff. Giunta, known for his enthusiasm and infectious energy, is credited with transforming the orchestra’s image in his nearly 20 years as its leader.
Established in 1937 as an adjunct of Drake University, the Des Moines Symphony separated completely from Drake University in 1969. In 1979, the Symphony found a home in the newly established Civic Center and now performs all its indoor full orchestra concerts there.
The 2006-07 Des Moines Symphony season starts with the popular and patriotic Yankee Doodle Pops concert on the State Capitol grounds June 30. Featuring baritone singer William Michals, the concert is a program of patriotic songs and Broadway favorites, followed by the area’s premier fireworks display. In conjunction with Yankee Doodle Pops, the Symphony hosts an Exclusive Viewing Party fundraiser on the outdoor terrace of the State Historical Building. With a gourmet picnic and the best seats in Des Moines, this is a party to spark the patriotic spirit in everyone.
The season continues in September with performance dates each month, featuring visiting artists from around the world. With more subscribers last year than ever before, the Symphony will have big shoes to fill for the upcoming season. The support of both individuals and corporations has helped build an endowment with pledges expected to reach $4.2 million over the next five years. With no direct support from the City of Des Moines, the Symphony relies on donors and BRAVO! Greater Des Moines for funding.
The Des Moines Symphony established a music Academy in 2003 to encourage
a lifelong love of classical music through a range of classes for children
as young as infants and their parents to teenagers. The Academy provides
learning and performing opportunities that enhance and enrich what students
have available to them through their school music programs. An instrument
student loan program provides quality musical instruments to deserving students
needing that assistance. The Academy is housed at The Temple for Performing
Arts with satellite locations in West Des Moines and Ankeny.
To find out more about the Des Moines Symphony and to purchase tickets
to performances, visit www.dmsymphony.org.
