Dubuque Symphony Orchestra facts for kids
The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is a group of professional musicians in Dubuque, Iowa. They play many types of music, like classical, chamber, and opera. The orchestra performs about 12 different concerts each year. They serve people in Dubuque and the surrounding areas of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. William Intriligator is their Music Director.
Contents
The Orchestra's Journey
The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra has a long history. It started in 1958 as the "University Civic Symphony." This was under the University of Dubuque. In 1974, its name changed to the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. This new name showed that it served the whole community.
Dr. Parviz Mahmoud was the first Music Director. He led the orchestra for many years, starting in 1957. He helped the DSO grow in size and fame until he retired in 1985. Dr. Mahmoud had also conducted the Tehran Symphony.
Nicholas Palmer became the second Music Director in 1985. Under his leadership, the orchestra continued to grow. They sold more tickets and gained more public support. The number of concerts increased a lot during his time. He was named Conductor Emeritus in 1999. This honor recognized his great service.
In 1999, William Intriligator became the third Music Director. Under his guidance, the DSO has grown even more. They have attracted new audiences and musicians. They also added opera shows and a chamber music series. The number of concerts for schools has doubled. The DSO has also made new friends in the community.
In 1969, the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra started the Dubuque Youth Symphony Orchestra (DYSO). This group helps young musicians grow their skills. The goal was for them to eventually join the DSO. In 1993, they added the Dubuque Youth String Ensemble (DYSE). This is for younger string players who are still learning.
The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL) helps the symphony financially. It started in 1966 as an auxiliary group. They hold events all year to raise money. They also offer learning chances for people in the area. The League has over 120 members today.
Music Directors
- William Intriligator (2000–present)
- Nicholas Palmer (1985–1999)
- Parviz Mahmoud (1957–1985)
Meet the Musicians
The DSO hires about 60 professional musicians each year. Other musicians join as substitutes when needed. About one-fifth of the musicians live nearby. The rest travel from bigger cities. These include Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, Des Moines, and Iowa City.
Musicians try out for the orchestra behind a screen. This means the judges do not know who they are. Only their musical ability matters. Musicians have about three weeks to learn the music. Then, they practice together for about 10 and a half hours before each concert.
Youth Music Programs
The DSO supports two youth orchestra programs. These are for young people who play instruments. They are the Dubuque Youth Symphony Orchestra (DYSO) and the Dubuque Youth String Ensemble (DYSE). Students try out each year to join these groups.
Dubuque Youth String Ensemble
The Dubuque Youth String Ensemble (DYSE) is for young string players. It helps them improve their playing skills. They learn to play well as a group. They also get to perform for audiences. Musicians in DYSE usually have three to four years of playing experience.
Dubuque Youth Symphony Orchestra
The Dubuque Youth Symphony (DYSO) started in 1968. It was created to help students prepare for the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. Today, it is an honors orchestra for students in the Dubuque area. Musicians in DYSO get to play famous classical music. They perform in a full orchestra setting.
Famous Guest Musicians
Many talented musicians have performed with the DSO. Here are some of them:
Piano
- Bruce Brubaker (1993)
- Robert Taub (2000 and 2002)
- Radoslav Kvapil (1997)
- Navah Perlman (2002)
- Antonio Pompa-Baldi (2005)
- Jon Nakamatsu (2005)
Violin
- Lynn Chang (1980)
- Benny Kim (1984)
- Rachel Lee (2002)
- Robert McDuffie (1985)
- Jennifer Koh (1993, 1995)
- Judith Ingolfsson (2006)
- Mark O'Connor (1997, 2007)
Cello
- Mark Kosower (1996)
- Zuill Bailey (2005)
Other Instruments
- George Zukerman, bassoon (1996)
- Rex Martin, tuba (1998)
