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Dubuque Symphony Orchestra League

Now in its’ 60th year, the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL) and its membership of dedicated volunteers has provided support for the financial and educational endeavors of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra.

About the DSOL

Click to Join the DSOL's celebration of 60 Years of Harmony!

This year, the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL) celebrates 60 years of support for the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra (DSO). In 1966 the first group of dedicated volunteers came together with the focus on both music education and financial support opportunities for the DSO.


Each year the League contributes support to the youth education programs in the community. This includes such activities as the 3rd and 5th grade Arts Trek concerts and the 4th grade Adopt-a--Musician programs. We also support the Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra by sponsoring the Concerto Competition. We contribute to the Dubuque Symphony Youth Ensembles, and the Summer String Camp. The League sponsors the Sound Bites luncheons held on the Friday prior to the Classics concerts and Musical Musings prior to the Sunday concerts. The League also sponsors the Senior Classics program. The Senior Classics/Suonare program provides performances to entertain residents and their families at local nursing homes and assisted-living centers, as well as performances at Farmers’ Market.

In our 60 years, the DSOL has contributed over $1,191,560. Additionally, its dedicated members have volunteered an impressive 237,997 hours, supporting various activities such as orchestra luncheons, fundraising activities, and event assistance.

Upcoming Events

PRELUDE TO THE SEASON
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Voices Studios, 1585 Central Ave

5:30-7:30pm

You're invited to a stylish evening to toast the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming 2026/27 season. This special celebration brings together music lovers and style-setters for an elegant night of fashion, entertainment and community as we raise a glass to the unforgettable moments that await in the season ahead! Guests will enjoy live entertainment by cellist Sam Day, followed by a fashion show showcasing the latest styles from Graham’s Style Store, Chain Vintage, PJ Chapin’s Boutique, and Zazou’s Bridal Boutique & Tuxedos. Enjoy light bites. Cash bar available.

~ This event is reserved for guests 21 and older ~

Prelude to the Season made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Denlinger Insurance, Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Plaid Swan, Honkamp, P.C., Fareway Meat & Grocery, and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Tickets $50 each
Click to register

PLAY BRIDGE FOR THE SYMPHONY
Shuffle the deck, grab your partner and join the DSOL for a delightful day of "Partner, Party" Bridge!

Thursday, September 24, 2026
Dubuque Golf and Country Club

- Doors open at 10am
- Play begins at 10:30am, two rounds
- Noon: lunch served
- Resume play 1pm, two rounds
- Prizes awarded 3pm

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Registration deadline September 14, 2026

Become a Member!

It’s wonderful to see such a strong commitment to both the arts and education in our community! We encourage and welcome you to join us in our 60th year supporting the DSO. We have a full year of events and fundraisers scheduled, which may be found on the DSO website. Visit dubuquesymphony.org/dubuque-symphony-orchestra-league. Our projects and events are the perfect way to have fun and meet new people, while supporting the tremendous Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. Please contact Kathe Richardson, Chair of the Membership Committee, at 563-581-0370 if you are interested in learning more about joining the DSOL. Don’t delay, join today!

Kristen Kemp-Hodges
President
DSOL

DSOL Membership 2627 PDF 2526 State of the League PDF Spring Newsletter 2026 PDF

League News

Leadership

DSOL 2026-2027 Executive Committee

  • Kristen Kemp-Hodges, President
  • John B. Donovan, Vice President
  • Angie Jordan, Treasurer
  • Carrie Bleile, Assistant Treasurer
  • Joanne Gebauer, Recording Secretary
  • Sandy Bertsch, Corresponding Secretary
  • Kathe Richardson*, Administration Chair
  • Cindy Mueller, Education Chair
  • Joan Harvieux*, Fundraising Chair
  • Richelle Gentile*, Nominations Chair
  • Vickie LaGrotta*, Past President
  • Mark Wahlert, DSO Executive Director

DSOL Board Members

    • Gail Appel
    • Pat Batka
    • Sandy Bertsch
    • Carrie Bleile
    • Deborah Burton
    • John B. Donovan
    • Lisa Fackelman
    • Joanne Gebauer
    • Richelle Gentile*
    • Megan Gloss
    • Joan Harvieux*
    • Kristen Kemp-Hodges
    • Joyce Johnson
    • Angie Jordan
    • Sudha Koneru
    • Vickie LaGrotta*
    • Betsy McCloskey
    • Cindy Mueller
    • Kathe Richardson*
    • Jacquie Roth*
    • Fusako Sato
    • Mark Wahlert


* Past President