Des Moines Symphony Orchestra

Des Moines Symphony Orchestra Concert & Tour Photos

Fan Reviews

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

HearPaul

Des Moines is one of the few cities that has a live Symphony, live Opera, live Ballet and live Theater! The Symphony's New Year's Eve concert was the best for all ages! I have attended symphony concerts in many of the world's concert halls and consider our DSM Symphony to be as good or better than the best! Thanks to the Maestro and to all the persons who have worked so hard to make us so proud!

Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2009

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

SweeneyPooks

My wife and I are more Theater Musical type of people instead of symphonies. The music was wonderfully played, but almost lulled me to sleep. We had a nice time out just by ourselves, and no kids, which was the intention.

Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2009

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

kdwoozle

It was all very memorable. I will definitely be attending the 79th season.

Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2009

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Strelnikov

The Des Moines Symphony's March 27 peformance of Bernstein, Gershwin, and Stravinsky featuring Christopher O'Riley on piano was well done. Thrilling.

Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2009

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

Chris O'Riley and DM Symphony are great together! The Gershwin was amazing.

Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2009

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

gateboy

Awesome presentation of Gershwin's finest pieces-both Rhapsody and Concerto in F. Please bring it back to DSM ASAP. A most enjoyable evening.

Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2009

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

This was my first visit to the Des Moines Symphany, I truly enjoyed it and look forward to going again.

Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2009

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

The evening was just wonderful. The music was outstanding and we really enjoyed Max Wellman playing before. He is so good and glad we had a local boy. We would do this over and over.

Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2009

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Alliwllib

Great show! Enjoyed every minute, but could have been closer to the stage! Memorable experience!

Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2009

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

NAWNAC

No matter what your generation, you went away from the DMS Pops New Years Eve Celebration with a big smile on your face and sinatra melodies in your head. I would come back every year for performances like this. Des Moines Big Band and the Des Moines, Symphony a fantastic combination. They should do this atleast once a year!!!!!

Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2009

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

MrVig

It was a terrific show. The orchestra and big band were terrific. Steve Lippia did a masterful job with all the Sinatra songs. Very intertaining. Sell out crowd.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 13, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

dollysusie

Warm and exciting to see such a collection of talent! Warm and fuzzy feelings. Would recommend it to all.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 13, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

Steve Lippia has Frank's phrasing and timing with a great voice as well. The Des Moines Symphony and Des Moines Big Band were outstanding.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 13, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

WillysMan

This was a great way to spend the evening. The orchastra was great as always, but he Big Band for this event was also wonderful. Steve's performance was exceptional and he may even be better than Sinatra. We througly enjoyed the evening.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 13, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

IowaBob

Good show - very impressed with well integrated performance of the Des Moines Symphony and the Des Moines "Big Band"

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 13, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

doogiegood

It was a great show. I really enjoyed myself. The orchestra and choir did a fantastic job. I was amazed by the mezzo-saprano and the saprano solos.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 13, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Grandpa67

My wife and I, Grandpa and Grandma, took our two daughters and five grandchildren ages five to fifteen to experience some music other than what they listen to on a daily basis. All of the children have taken music lessons and some still are but my wife and I thought that exosphere to the Des Moines Symphony would be good fore them. All of us enjoyed the experience every much and well be back fore more.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 13, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

Truly an amazing concert! I would recommend this to anyone.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 13, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

jman8016

Although I didn't care a whole lot for Beethoven's 5th (I'm not a huge classical fan) the second half of the concert was fantastic! The Liszt piano concerto was beautiful and so was the encore. The "Pines of Rome" was also fantastic!

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 13, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

pepy35

Very family friendly, great way to engage children in music. I always loved the animated film and was thrilled to share it with my son.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 13, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

AllysonV

Peter and the Wolf with The Des Moines Symphony is great way to introduce children to the symphony and to the Civic Center. The only comment that I would have would maybe to warn parents of children under 3 that it might get a little long for them. It was a nice touch to have a lot of pre-show musical activities to engage everyone also.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

DLQ2

We attended the Des Moines symphony's Brahms concert on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Guest conductor Gerard Schwarz was a joy to watch and the symphony responded to his enthusiasm . Guest cellist Julian Schwarz was a virtuoso. Intense, focused and so in tune to the music he was playing. He breathed it. It was amazing to watch and a joy to hear.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

JGJ2015

was a great show Des Moines symphony was great Texas Tenors were great as well

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

The DM Symphony and Texas Tenors appeared before a packed house and delivered. Great show by both. Texas Tenors are now one of my favorite groups. Fabulous evening.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2015

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

iowagirl4u

Texas Tenors were very disappointing. Only sang about half dozen songs, rest was chatter. Last song consisted of only one of the tenors and at the end he went into the crowd and had various audience members sing the last few notes of the song which was off key which was to be expected. He ended with thanks for coming and happy new year. We expected a closing from all three and one that would leave us wanting more.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

KClown

The whole evening was great. They sang a wide variety of songs, and we were familiar with every one ofl them. All three were excellent soloists, but the harmony was beyond fantastic. The symphony accompanied well, but they seemed a little under par on their "solo" performances.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Deegene

Show was wonderful! Both The Texas Tenors and the Des Moines Symphony were great, put them together and it was outstanding.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

Wonderful performance, great venue, highly recommend it!

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

LoveTheOKBoys

We saw the Texas Tenors on National Public TV a year ago, and were delighted to learn they were coming to Des Moines on New Year's Eve 2015. We experienced a double delight seeing the Texas Tenors in person with the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra. The entire concert was fabulous. I look forward to more DSM Symphony Orchestra concerts, and look forward to Texas Tenor music purchases and more concerts. The Symphony played an amazing array of arrangements to support the Tenors. The exceptional symphony performance showed their skill and versatility. The Texas Tenors are extremely versatile, too, singing opera to country to pop. They are very personable and engage well with the audience. Too bad the projector didn't work well. The show was great even without the video portion.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

BackrowBum

Great evening of entertainment. Great variety of music. The orchestra and Texas Tenors combined for outstanding evening!! The Phantom of the Opera selection was great.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Thu, Dec 31, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Southiowa

New Year's Eve Pops with The Texas Tenors was a fantastic performance by one and all. We so enjoyed it and were not ready for the evening to end. Both the Des Moines Symphony and The Texas Tenors were awesome!!!

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, May 24, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ihuntduck

We have never been disappointed by our choice to spend New Years Eve with the Des Moines Symphony. Every year is an exceptional experience and this year with the Texas Tenors was no different. DMS represents quality and a great value for your entertainment dollars and time!

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, May 24, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

Yet another fascinating presentation! Amazing blend of music, history and biography.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, May 24, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

UptownGuy1

It was fantastic. What a talented performer. We just wished it had lasted longer than the two hours.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, May 24, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pewterking

This was a terrific show whether you love Billy Joel as we do or not. Just a lot of great music enhanced by the D M Symphony. Thoroughly entertaining. Rocco, you rock!!!

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, May 24, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Feather54

The Des Moines Symphony was excellent as usual and Michael Cavanaugh performed an amazing show along with his accompaniment. Michael engaged the audience which created an electric atmosphere.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, May 24, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

We loved it. But we sat in the back and next time I will bring binoculars.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, May 24, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

memaggie

the whole thing was wonderful and the Pianist was fantastic- flying fingers enjoyed Symphony on a stick very much with all the sights of the fair also the whole program was very enjoyable for all of us

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, May 24, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

LeoIowa

American music offered a wholly new medium by which art could contribute to the war effort and celebrate it at the same time. The Hymn to the Fallen is an elegiac theme of noble elegance evoking a somber atmosphere of tribute to those who, in the words of Vice President Wallace, spoke for the common man in terms of blood on the battlefield to ensure that he continues on the march toward even fuller freedom than the most fortunate peoples of the earth have hitherto enjoyed.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, May 24, 2015

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kitso

'Common Man' was BEAUTIFUL, followed by a perfect' Appalachian Spring'. "Lincoln's portrait" . . . awesome. The special piece commissioned by the Pappajohn's for the sculpture part made me feel as it I was watching a 'Smithsonian Aerial America' special on TV. The composer truly captured the beauty of each of the art pieces. The military tribute was incredibly moving, after the piece, the audience slowly stood and clapped as if in a trance. No one could smile. It was too emotional. Wow! The closing pieces included vocalists (a huge choir) and was a lovely ending for such an emotional afternoon of music. I can't imagine the Symphony topping this performance.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, May 24, 2015

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Anonymous

Appalachian Spring was fantastic and I am glad they started out with the Fanfare to the Common Man. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the evening. Beautiful performance. The second half was almost unbearable. Adding marginal video and multi-media to a high end symphony is a waste of time and makes for a bad listening experience. It is simply distracting to the experience, you can't see the performers and/or focus on the music. In the end, when people asked us afterwards how it was, we just complained about the sculpture garden video and the low quality slide show from all the us military conflicts. As good as the first half was, the second half ruined it. I don't know if the Des Moines Symphony is just trying to engage a larger audience with the video and extra crap, but I will pay a lot of attention to what is going on next time. Music is first, just play the music!

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Wed, Dec 31, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

JacquelynLee

After attending this concert, I realized that I needed to become a Des Moines Symphony season ticketholder! So bring on 2015 -2016 Season....I am looking forward to more amazing concerts! Feeling Blessed to have such talent in my own backyard! Thank you to all and especially Joseph Giunta for your vision, leadership and creativity!

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Wed, Dec 31, 2014

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

FormerMusicMajor

I was a music major for a while in college and recently moved to Des Moines. The last concert I went to was the one where the DSM Symphony played the Pines of Rome in 2014 - it was stunning. When I saw the program for this concert - La Mer, Prokofiev's Piano Concerto #1, and the Scottish Symphony, I had high expectations. I unfortunately wasn't impressed. I could barely hear the woodwinds whenever they played and really only could make them out because I knew the pieces so well. La Mer was a mess, in my opinion. The Prokofiev was disappointing, as I couldn't hear the piano. The Mendelssohn wasn't quite as problematic, but again, it was hard to hear the woodwinds over the overpowering strings. Balance was a major issue when it came to this concert, and I wasn't impressed. :/ I don't know the next concert's repertoire as well (with Giunta; Liszt, Chopin, and Shostakovich), but I know the Chopin Piano Concerto #2 really well, and I really hope that I can actually hear the piano next month. :/

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Wed, Dec 31, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

HerbHerbHerb

The Des Moines Symphony is awesome. The conductor was awesome. The blond double bass player was very very hot. LA MER is one of the best things ever written and the Symphony pulled it off very well! The 2nd piece, a piano concerto, was boring in comparison. The Scottish Symphony was 3rd, after an intermission, and while it was interesting in parts and the conductor did his best to make it lively, no way could it top hearing LA MER. LA MER was just fantastic!

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Wed, Dec 31, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

katieberit

This whole event was awesome! Such a great experience for my 5 year old daughter, AND me. I hadn't been to the symphony in ages, and it was great to be back. We will definitely go again. The music was superb and the mimes were a huge hit. Loved this whole production.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Wed, Dec 31, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

BackrowBum

Outstanding performance by all!!! The individual Cirque performances allowed us to look at just one exciting entertainer. Made for a great evening event!!!

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Wed, Dec 31, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

Combining music with the artistry and talent of circus perfomers is a most enjoyable way to spend New Year's Eve. The performance was sold out so that is an indication of the success of this format which has been done on previous occassions. There were a few selections by the symphony when there were not any circus performers sharing the stage to remind us of the talents of the musicians, which can be overshadowed by the visual treat of the circus artists. I do not think anyone was disappointed. Patrons sitting next to us were from out of town and they celebrate every New Year's Eve with the symphony performance and stay at a downtown hotel for the evening. Perfect!

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Wed, Dec 31, 2014

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Anonymous

Just not like the other New Years events. You can see all this on TV, unlike a live signing group. Just not for me and would not go again. Hope they pick a 60's group next year. In previous years the groups were really great and you left with a real up beat feeling.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Wed, Dec 31, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

youngr23

Excellent show! First time I've seen this specific show, but hope it comes again.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Wed, Dec 31, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

This performance was a great way to end 2014, and usher in 2015.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Wed, Dec 31, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

Absolutely a fabulous night of entertainment. We loved it!

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Oct 26, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

This was a very enjoyable evening. The combination of the great symphony and the amazing cirque on New Years Eve was unbeatable. The agility, daring, and strength of the cirque performers was terrific. I would see an event like this every year.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Oct 26, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

CS1997

The performance by the orchestra was amazing and wonderful as usual. The acts were thrilling and entertaining. However, we would have preferred more symphonic pieces be performed without the distraction of the performers.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Oct 26, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Dizzyzebra

I wasn't sure what to expect from this show, but was pleasantly surprised. There were so many different acts and all were entertaining. The 2 hours went by so fast.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Oct 26, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

My husband, 4 kids (ages 13, 11, and two 9 year olds) attended this event on 12/31/14. We were all thrilled and amazed by the performance. The strength, flexibility, and show of the Cirque de Sol individuals backed by the fabulous music of the Des Moines Symphony made for an excellent performance to watch. We are not what some would call "cultured" so I was a little nervous for the event--hoping it would hold my kids attention for 2 hours. I'm pleased to say that they were glued to the stage throughout the entire performance. As were my husband and I. We'll remember this experience for years to come!

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Oct 26, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

PromoPower

This orchestra is outstanding, especially considering the small Des Moines market. This show was sold out, so Des Moines seems to realize what they've got! This show added the visual of Cirque to the sounds of the symphony. The coordination of sights and sounds made for a Broadway-class theatrical experience. This is our fourth straight new years eve with the Des Moines Symphony. We'll be there again this December 31.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Oct 26, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

The 2nd half music was absolutely marvelous - so great - that I found tears in my eyes. Our DM symphony is just amazing - what talent. The performance was flawless. I was so inspired. Beethoven was so gifted. This is a piece that needs to be heard again and again. The 1st half moved too slowly. I realize it is nice to learn how Beethoven came to write the 5th - but it did drag on and on. I would have rather have heard the symphony play other numbers. I feel I was a little cheated by not enough music. That is after all what I came for. It was great to see a packed house both nights. I hope this means these people will come again after hearing the marvelous 5th.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Oct 26, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

fivecareys

Loved learning about Beethoven and what he was going through in his life during the time he wrote this piece. The music was excellent! Very passionate!

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Oct 26, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

Wonderful concert! The DsM Symphony held their own with the guest artist.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Oct 26, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sagey

The 4 Seasons was great. The sound of Anne's violin was the clearest and most succinct I have ever heard and the string sections of also played with great beauty.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Oct 26, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

mremrys

The symphony put on an excellent performance. The soloist repeatedly tapped her foot loud enough to be heard from the back of the room (which is where my seats were). if she were in a recording studio she wouldn't have done such things. i think that kind of quality playing shouldn't be marred by tapping artifacts.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 15, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

JReinier

The Des Moines Symphony with guest violinist Anne Akiko Meyers was a marvelous experience. Ms. Meyers' encore was a lovely personal glimpse into her love of music. The finale performance of Respighi's The Pines of Rome was spectacular and reminded me why I love to hear live symphonic music.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 15, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

Great performances! Each piece was excellent. Definitely met my expectations.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 15, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

mwgal

The entire concert took my breath away. Ms. Myer was phenomenal!

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 15, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

WaukeeWatcher

The Des Moines Symphony was excellent. Their performance of the Firebird Suite was outstanding. Every selection on the September 27th, 28th concert was a dessert for the ears. We attended the Sunday matinee and was thrilled from the first note to the last. The guest artist was amazing and her hands looked like they floated across the keyboard. Never expected an encore so that was an even sweeter treat! Looking forward to attending MANY more concerts.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 15, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mary56aaaaa

Great show, we had a super time. We would go glady go again.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 15, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

The young Brit pianist is super talented. I took my grandson who was inspired.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 15, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

2kitties4me

My son and I attended and had such an enjoyable time we will probably attend again.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 15, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

I am from Chicago, and travel to Des Moines frequently for family reasons. I now always try to time my visits with Des Moines Symphony performances. I think they are a superb orchestra. And this concert was wonderful. Especially the Marimba Concerto, but also the Dvorak.

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 15, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

Amazing experience! Am considering season tickets!

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 15, 2014

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

defeds

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys music in diversified mediums. See this one if you get a chance. It is one of the best of its kind I've seen and heard.