Under the baton of Music Director and Conductor William Intriligator, the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra (DSO) proudly announces a landmark artistic initiative that brings together an extraordinary team of artists and industry leaders. The project will result in a full-length album dedicated entirely to the music of Dubuque-native composer Michael Gilbertson, a Pulitzer Prize finalist whose works have been performed by leading orchestras nationwide.
The recording will include Gilbertson’s new cello concerto, commissioned by the DSO for Grammy Award–winning cellist Zuill Bailey (2017 Grammy Award for Best Solo Performance). The work will receive its world premiere at the DSO’s “Spirit of Innovation” concerts, March 28-29 at Five Flags Theater.
In addition to the newly commissioned concerto, the album will feature Gilbertson’s Symphony No. 1, commissioned and premiered by the DSO in spring 2025, as well as his acclaimed work The Beautiful and the Good, creating a comprehensive portrait of the composer’s artistry. The recording is scheduled to take place at the University of Dubuque Heritage Center later this month.
The album will be produced by multi-Grammy Award–winning producer Elaine Martone, recently named the 2025 Grammy Producer of the Year, alongside Grammy-winning recording engineer Robert Friedrich.
Supported by generous sponsorship from Susan Farber & Bernie Saks and The State of Iowa, this initiative celebrates local talent, creates a lasting artistic legacy, and reinforces Dubuque as a vibrant center for the arts on a national and global stage. By commissioning, performing, and recording new works at the highest professional level, the DSO is investing in the future of classical music while elevating Dubuque’s cultural profile. The all-Michael Gilbertson recording will serve as a lasting artistic legacy, sharing the work of a hometown composer with audiences around the world. At the same time, the project strengthens the orchestra’s ability to attract world-class artists, engage the local community, and expand its reach well beyond the tri-state region - reinforcing Dubuque’s growing reputation as a center for artistic excellence.
