Orchestra Iowa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Orchestra Iowa |
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| Location | Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA |
| Concert hall | Paramount Theatre |
| Principal conductor | Timothy Hankewich |
Orchestra Iowa is an American symphony orchestra located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A symphony orchestra is a large group of musicians who play many different instruments together. The current music director and conductor is Timothy Hankewich. He leads the orchestra during their performances.
Orchestra Iowa started in 1921. Back then, it was called the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra. They have a busy schedule, performing many types of concerts. These include classical music, chamber music (for smaller groups of instruments), and popular songs. They also perform with the Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre and Ballet Quad Cities.
The orchestra mainly performs at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Cedar Rapids. They also play concerts at Iowa City West High School and Brucemore. Their chamber music concerts are held at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts in Coralville, Iowa.
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The Story of Orchestra Iowa
Orchestra Iowa began its journey as the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra. Their very first concert was held on April 23, 1923. It took place in the Sinclair Auditorium at Coe College. By 1928, the orchestra was playing its concerts at Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Growing Through the Years
The orchestra continued to perform even during tough times. They played through the Great Depression and World War II. It wasn't until the 1950s that the orchestra had a paid music director. This also marked the time when musicians started getting paid for their performances.
In the 1970s, a string quartet was formed within the orchestra. By 1980, the orchestra moved to its main home, the Paramount Theatre. Orchestra Iowa also has special programs for students. The Orchestra Iowa School began in 1988 to teach young people how to play string instruments. An endowment program, which helps fund the orchestra, started in 1990.
New Homes and New Friends
In 2004, the orchestra's offices and school moved to the new Symphony Center. This new building has music studios and the Rockwell Collins Recital Hall. Orchestra Iowa has teamed up with different groups to share music. They have worked with the From the Top radio show, Iowa Public Television, and Iowa Public Radio. These partnerships help bring symphonic music and music education to more people.
In 2008, the Symphony Center was damaged by a flood from the Cedar River. This meant the orchestra had to perform in many different places. They were able to return to the Paramount Theatre for their 2012–2013 season.
Collaborations and New Spaces
Orchestra Iowa became the official orchestra for the Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre in 2009. In 2011, the Opus Concert Café opened. This new space is perfect for smaller chamber concerts and other performances. Starting with the 2012–2013 season, they began working with Ballet Quad Cities. They perform with the ballet at the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids. They also play at the ballet's main venue, the Adler Theatre in Davenport, Iowa.
Meet the Music Directors
Here are the talented music directors who have led Orchestra Iowa over the years:
- Joseph H. Kitchen (1923–1952)
- Henry Denecke (1952–1970)
- Richard Williams (1970–1981)
- Christian Tiemeyer (1981–2006)
- Timothy Hankewich (2006–present)
