Compose your artistic adventureand create a season package now!
ENDOWED SYMPHONY SEASON John & Alice Butler
Music Director & Conductor William Intriligator
Leonard Bernstein Overture to Candide Ellington/Peress Harlem
Florence Price Piano Concerto in One Movement
Michelle Cann, piano
George Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
Michelle Cann, piano
DSO’s opening night promises to be more than just a concert—it’s a joyful, heartfelt tribute to American musical genius!
The program opens with the electrifying energy of Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, a whirlwind of wit, brilliance, and orchestral color that sets the tone for an unforgettable evening.
Duke Ellington’s 1951 tone poem Harlem captures the spirit and complexity of the Harlem neighborhood. It takes us on a tour of this city-within-a-city, painting a vibrant, cinematic portrait of rich multiethnic character, deep spirituality, and musical vibrance.
Grammy Award-winning pianist Michelle Cann makes her much-anticipated debut with our orchestra! She will be featured in Florence Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement, a bold and lyrical work by the first African American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer. Cann’s performance promises to be both powerful and poignant, highlighting the depth and beauty of Price’s music.
The concert concludes with George Gershwin’s timeless masterpiece, Rhapsody in Blue.
With its unmistakable opening clarinet glissando and exuberant blend of classical form and jazz rhythm, this beloved piece captures the bustling spirit of America in the 20th century—and Cann’s interpretation is sure to leave the audience both moved and exhilarated.
SATURDAY, OCT 4 7:30pm SUNDAY, OCT 5 2:00pm
Five Flags Theater, Downtown Dubuque
DSO
From the exhilarating opening brass fanfare to the lush, emotionally charged Symphonic Dances by Sergei Rachmaninoff, the remarkable talent of Dubuque Symphony Orchestra musicians takes center stage.
The program spotlights individual members of the DSO in featured roles:
A captivating contemporary work by Michael Abels—known for his innovative film scores for Jordan Peele’s movies (Get Out, Us, Nope)— features several of the orchestra’s lead string players.
Two of the DSO’s distinguished wind principals are featured in Richard Strauss’s Duet Concertino, a charming double concerto that weaves lyrical beauty with playful, conversational interplay between solo instruments and orchestra.
Altogether, this concert is a celebration of the DSO’s own musicians—from their brilliant ensemble work to virtuosic solo moments— demonstrating the depth, versatility, and excellence of your Dubuque Symphony Orchestra!
Paul Dukas Fanfare from La Peri - DSO Brass feature Michael Abels Urban Legends
Nash Ryder, Katie Klocke, Christina Mixemong, Philip Bergman - solo string quartet
Richard Strauss Duet Concertino
Emily Hancock, clarinet | William George, bassoon Sergei Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances
SATURDAY, NOV 1 7:30pm SUNDAY, NOV 2 2:00pm
Five Flags Theater, Downtown Dubuque
Emily Hancock, clarinet
William George, bassoon Nash Ryder, Concertmaster
Katie Klocke, violin
Philip Bergman, cello
Christina Mixemong, viola
Symphonic
Jean Sibelius Finlandia
DSYO Side By Side
Samuel Barber Violin Concerto
Eleanor Bartsch, violin
Jean Sibelius Symphony No. 1 in E minor
Former DSO Concertmaster and current Chicago Lyric Opera violinist Eleanor Bartsch makes a highly anticipated return to perform one of the most beloved works in the American violin repertoire: Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto. A work of striking contrast and emotional breadth, the concerto unfolds like a panoramic landscape—opening with lush, soaring melodies that are tender and lyrical, and building to a finale bursting with dazzling, untamed virtuosity. It’s a vivid musical journey through the heart of American expression: expansive, bold, and profoundly moving.
That spirit of exploration and connection continues in a special side-by-side performance, as members of the Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra join the DSO on stage for Jean Sibelius’ Finlandia. With its sweeping melodies and powerful calls to resilience and unity, this iconic tone poem rises like a national anthem shaped by rugged landscapes and stirring resolve— and an inspiring opportunity for our young musicians to share in its grandeur.
The program culminates with Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1, a symphonic portrait of drama and depth. From its brooding, windswept opening to its soaring climaxes and moments of hushed introspection, the symphony paints an evocative soundscape— both intimate and epic— a perfect finish for a concert rooted in musical connection and powerful storytelling.
SATURDAY, FEB 28 7:30pm SUNDAY, MAR 1 2:00pm
Five Flags Theater, Downtown Dubuque
classics four
Following the extraordinary success of last season’s world premiere of Michael Gilbertson’s Symphony, the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to continue its collaboration with the acclaimed composer. This season, the DSO has commissioned Gilbertson once again—this time to create a brand-new cello concerto written especially for the orchestra and worldrenowned cellist Zuill Bailey. An audience favorite, Bailey returns to Dubuque after his unforgettable performance of the Dvořák Cello Concerto, bringing his signature passion and virtuosity to this exciting new work!
The program also features two beloved masterworks from the orchestral repertoire: a dramatic and emotionally-charged Mozart symphony, and Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Haydn: a work brimming with charm, invention, and orchestral color.
Wolfgang Mozart Symphony No. 40
Johannes Brahms Variations on a Theme by Haydn
Michael Gilbertson Cello Concerto WORLD PREMIERE Zuill Bailey, cello
SATURDAY, MAR 28 7:30pm SUNDAY, MAR 29 2:00pm
Five Flags Theater, Downtown Dubuque
an evening of
Join us for an intimate evening of chamber music for strings, showcasing the exceptional talents of Zuill Bailey, cellist and DSO Artist-in-Residence, alongside DSO’s principal string players.
Experience a captivating program in an up-close setting that highlights the warmth, depth, and virtuosity of the string ensemble!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025
Convivium Urban Farmstead, 2811 Jackson St, Dubuque
5:30pm Gather & Tour 6:30pm Music 8:00pm Post-Concert Reception w/ heavy hors d’oeuvres & cash bar
$65 - limited availability Call the DSO office at 563-557-1677 to purchase
Convivium photo courtesy of Brian Abeling / Iowa Road Trip
SATURDAY, DEC 6
with the DSO!
Experience one of Dubuque’s most beloved traditions— a heartwarming musical celebration that brings the joy and magic of the season to audiences of all ages.
Five Flags Theater, Downtown Dubuque
Our special one hour FAMILY program of kid-friendly holiday music and sing-along tunes. Includes photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus post-concert.
full concerts
SATURDAY, DEC 6 7:30pm SUNDAY, DEC 7 2:00pm
Five Flags Theater, Downtown Dubuque
The DSO is joined by the Dubuque Chorale, the Dubuque Chorale Children’s Choir (appearing in the Family Concert), members of the Heartland Ballet, and vocal soloists Chrystina Morteo-Bowman and Leslie Shalabi in an enchanting collection of holiday favorites. We will also feature a very special performance by Viktoriia Slyvka, who will sing and perform on the bandura, a traditional Ukrainian harp. Usher in this season filled with joy, warmth, and wonder!
Ultimate Rock Hits is now... DSO Rocks!
New name, same unforgettable music!
Get ready for a powerful fusion of rock and orchestra as the DSO joins forces with some of the region’s top rock bands to bring you an electrifying concert experience.
From iconic anthems of the ‘70s to today’s biggest hits, DSO Rocks delivers a high-energy performance that redefines what a rock show can be — powered by the full might and artistry of your Dubuque Symphony Orchestra!
NEW! THURSDAY EVENING PERFORMANCE ADDED! Thursday’s concert features dance floor/standing admission right in front of the stage — get up close, move to the music, and be part of the excitement!
THURSDAY, JAN 15 8:00pm
FRIDAY, JAN 16 8:00pm
SATURDAY, JAN 17 8:00pm
Mississippi Moon Bar, Diamond Jo Casino
Must be 21 or older to enter. www.Diamondjo.com
Season subscribers get early access to great seats for these high-demand concerts! (see pp 12-13 for details and seating charts)
TICKETS
$45 Booth or Table (Sold in sets of 4 only)
$40 Main Floor or Mezzanine
$25 Bar or Standing
A performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is always a landmark occasion—and this season, the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra brings this monumental work back to the stage for the first time since its sold-out performances in April 2008. Widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in Western music, Beethoven’s final symphony is more than a concert—it’s an experience that speaks directly to the human spirit.
Composed in the face of Beethoven’s own profound deafness, the Ninth Symphony is a triumph of artistic vision and emotional power. Its unforgettable final movement was groundbreaking: the first time a composer had integrated voices into a symphonic work. This bold innovation gave the world “Ode to Joy,” a transcendent anthem of unity, hope, and brotherhood that continues to resonate across generations and cultures.
The DSO will be joined by the Dubuque Chorale and singers from area universities, colleges, and seminaries, making this a true community collaboration.
SATURDAY, APR 18 7:30pm SUNDAY, APR 19 2:00pm
Center, University of Dubuque
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 “Choral”
Megan Gloss soprano Amanda Hauta mezzo Iris Allen tenor
Álvaro Ramirez bass
Laura Kempner, LK Images
Art credit: Lyudmila Tomova Clark, Bluff Strokes 2024
