Events

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra 2024-2025 Season Schedule

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Classics 1: Pines of Rome

Saturday, October 5 @ 7:30pm Sunday, October 6 @ 2pm

Five Flags Theater (405 Main St)

Music Director and Conductor William Intriligator’s 25th season with the DSO kicks off with a blockbuster program of some of the maestro’s favorite orchestral showpieces. From the grandeur of the Roman pines to the mystical atmosphere of the catacombs, take an unforgettable musical journey through the Eternal City with Respighi’s Pines of Rome. John Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine takes us on an exhilarating adventure through sound and rhythm, evoking the adrenaline rush of riding in a sports car.

Grammy Award winning and internationally renowned cellist Zuill Bailey returns to perform the Dvorák Cello Concerto. From the tender embrace of the Adagio to the fiery passion of the Finale, experience the virtuosity and poetry of one of the most beloved works in the cello repertoire.

On Friday, October 4, enjoy a lunch buffet at the Dubuque Golf & Country Club followed by insightful commentary by Maestro William Intriligator and cellist Zuill Bailey. RSVP by October 2. Saturday evening concert attendance includes entry to post-concert Encore Reception. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and visit with DSO musicians. At 1pm prior to each Sunday Classics Concert, Intriligator gives a pre-concert lecture in the theater.

Concert tickets start at $20.

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Classics 2 Latin-American Inspiracion

Saturday, November 2 @ 7:30pm

Sunday, November 3 @ 2pm Five Flags Theater (405 Main St)

Turn up the heat with the rhythms, dances and melodies of Latin America! The DSO welcomes back Charles Gorczynski, a highly skilled bandoneon player known for his virtuosity and deep connection to tango music. He will be featured in Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla’s symphonic take on tangoes.

The orchestra will also perform dances by various Mexican and Argentine composers, as well as Ravel’s mesmerizing Spanish/Cuban dance, Bolero. The passion, mystery, and seduction of the “forbidden dance” ignites the stage as professional Tango dancers Ashley Kalchik and Daniel Moreno join Gorczynski and the orchestra in Argentinian composer Pugliese’s iconic “La Yumba”.

On Friday, November 1, enjoy a lunch buffet at the Dubuque Golf & Country Club followed by insightful commentary by Maestro William Intriligator and bandoneonist Charles Gorczynski. RSVP by October 30. An open rehearsal will be held Friday evening at 7pm.

Please be in the theater and seated by 6:50pm. Saturday evening concert attendance includes entry to post-concert Encore Reception. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and visit with DSO musicians. At 1pm prior to each Sunday Classics Concert, Intriligator gives a pre- concert lecture in the theater.

Concert tickets start at $20.

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Holiday Family

Saturday, December 7 @ 1pm

Five Flags Theater (405 Main St)

Our special one-hour FAMILY program of kid-friendly holiday music features vocalist Kira Guloien, the Dubuque Chorale Children’s Choir and members of the Heartland Ballet. Sing & jingle along to your favorite holiday tunes including carols, selections from the Nutcracker, film scores and more! Includes photos with Santa post- concert.

Tickets start at $14 children/$24 adults.

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concerts

Saturday, December 7 @ 7:30pm

Sunday, December 8 @ 2pm Five Flags Theater (405 Main St)

The warm sounds of the holidays fill the hall as the DSO is joined by vocalist Kira Guloien, the Dubuque Chorale and members of the Heartland Ballet in an enchanting collection of holiday favorites. Expect to hear plenty of holiday favorites, including carols, selections from the Nutcracker, film scores and more!

Saturday evening concert attendance includes entry to post-concert Encore Reception. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and visit with DSO musicians.

Tickets start at $12 children/$19 adults.

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Ultimate Rock Hits

Friday, January 17 @ 8pm

Saturday, January 18 @ 8pm Mississippi Moon Bar, (301 Bell St)

The DSO joins with local rock bands to present an amazing symphonic rock experience featuring chart topping hits from the 1970’s to the present. Past performances have included covers of legendary songs from groups like Aerosmith, Van Halen, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. You won’t want to miss this unique collaboration that has never failed to bring the house down! Must be 21 or older to enter.

Tickets: $25 general admission/$40 floor or mezzanine/$45 table.

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Spring Family Concert

Saturday, February 15 @ 1pm

Five Flags Theater (405 Main St)

Really Inventive Stuff makes their DSO debut as part of their 20th Anniversary “Peter and the Wolf” World Tour! This vaudeville-inspired performance is sure to capture the imagination of all ages. Plus special guest Professor Trumpeterclangor, a whimsical sound scientist, needs your help to complete Mozart’s “Toy Symphony.”

This one-hour kid-sized concert also includes music from the Barbie movie and Disney’s Encanto. Stick around for post-concert activities including activity tables, photo booth and West Music instrument petting zoo. Costumes encouraged!

Tickets start at $14.

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Classics 3 Beethoven’s 5th: Darkness to Light

Saturday, February 15 @ 7:30 pm

Sunday, February 16 @ 2pm Five Flags Theater (405 Main St)

The DSO has commissioned DSO Principal Flute Timothy Hagen’s first Flute Concerto – an exciting world premiere featuring the composer as soloist!

Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Maestro William’s signature piece with the DSO, has been performed countless times over the years, yet keeps inspiring and moving both performers and audiences.

Take a trip to the sun-drenched hills of Sicily and be swept away by the lush melodies and emotive strings of Mascagni’s beloved Italian opera Intermezzo from “Cavalleria Rusticana.” Mendelssohn’s “Hebrides Overture,” embarks on a musical journey through the rugged landscapes of Scotland’s Hebrides islands. Let the swirling strings and powerful brass of this masterpiece transport you to Fingal’s Cave and beyond!

On Friday, February 14, enjoy a lunch buffet at the Dubuque Golf & Country Club followed by insightful commentary by Maestro William Intriligator and flutist Timothy Hagen. RSVP by February 12. Saturday evening concert attendance includes entry to post-concert Encore Reception. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and visit with DSO musicians. At 1pm prior to each Sunday Classics Concert, Intriligator gives a pre-concert lecture in the theater.

Concert tickets start at $20.

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Classics 4 Gilbertson’s Symphony No. 1

Saturday, March 8 @ 7:30pm Sunday, March 9 @ 2pm

Five Flags Theater (405 Main St)

These concerts will open with a fresh perspective, an exciting overture by Jessie Montgomery, the Composer- in-Residence of the Chicago Symphony. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of musical traditions, “Overture” showcases Montgomery’s mastery in blending classical, jazz, and contemporary elements seamlessly.

Celebrated as a leading interpreter of classical works and for her extraordinary ability to connect with audiences, Rachel Barton Pine makes her DSO debut playing the sensational Sibelius Violin Concerto.

The DSO has commissioned Dubuque-raised and Pulitzer Prize nominated Michael Gilbertson’s First Symphony. This piece makes its world premiere at our Classics Season finale, a capstone of Maestro William Intriligator’s 25th Anniversary Season. One of the most promising and accomplished composers of his generation, Gilbertson’s works have earned him widespread acclaim and recognition in the world of contemporary classical music.

On Friday, March 7, enjoy a lunch buffet at the Dubuque Golf & Country Club followed by insightful commentary by Maestro William Intriligator, violinist Rachel Barton Pine and composer Michael Gilbertson. RSVP by March 5. Saturday evening concert attendance includes entry to post-concert Encore Reception. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and visit with DSO musicians. At 1pm prior to each Sunday Classics Concert, Intriligator gives a pre- concert lecture in the theater.

Concert tickets start at $20.

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra with the Heartland Ballet presents Swan Lake

Saturday, May 3 @ 7:30pm Sunday, May 4 @ 2pm

Heritage Center (2255 Bennett St)

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of one of the most beloved ballets of all time as the DSO partners with the Heartland Ballet in a complete staged production of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake! The ballet’s themes of love, betrayal, and redemption resonate with audiences across generations, making “Swan Lake” a perennial favorite in the ballet repertoire.

On Friday, May 2, enjoy a lunch buffet at the Dubuque Golf & Country Club followed by insightful commentary by Maestro William Intriligator and Marina O’Rourke. RSVP by April 30.

Ballet tickets start at $25.

For more information on all Dubuque Symphony events call 563.557.1677 or visit DubuqueSymphony.org.

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