The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra will celebrate bold creativity and beloved classics in its upcoming concert, The Spirit of Innovation, presented Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 29 at 2:00 p.m. at Five Flags Theater.
Building on the extraordinary success of last season’s world premiere of Michael Gilbertson’s Symphony, the DSO has once again commissioned the acclaimed composer to create a brand-new work - this time, a cello concerto written especially for the orchestra and internationally renowned cellist Zuill Bailey. Gilbertson, a Dubuque native whose career has taken him to major stages across the country, returns home for this special premiere. An audience favorite, Bailey returns to Dubuque after his unforgettable performance of the Dvořák Cello Concerto, bringing his signature passion and virtuosity to this exciting new work.
“This is exactly what a modern orchestra is called to do: honoring the great masterpieces while investing in the music of our time,” shares Music Director and Conductor William Intriligator. “Premiering a concerto written specifically for Zuill and the DSO is not only thrilling artistically, it affirms our commitment to innovation, excellence and creating experiences our audience can’t hear anywhere else. There’s something especially meaningful about premiering a major new work by a Dubuque native. It speaks to the extraordinary talent that can grow from this community and to the pride we feel in bringing Michael’s music home.”
The program also features two beloved masterworks from the orchestral repertoire: Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 and Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Haydn. Together, the program blends fresh creativity with timeless beauty, offering audiences both the excitement of something entirely new and the comfort of beloved classics.
Tickets start at $20 and are available online at dubuquesymphony.org or through the Five Flags Box Office, open Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (entrance at 4th and Locust Streets), and one hour prior to each performance in the theater lobby. Purchasing at the box office avoids online Ticketmaster fees.
Concert Co-Sponsors: A.Y. McDonald Mfg Co and ImOn Communications
Guest Artist Sponsor: Crestgrove Capital LLC
Gilbertson Cello Concerto & Recording Project Sponsored by: Susan Farber & Bernie Saks, and State of Iowa
Supplemental Concert Events:
Sound Bites Luncheon, 11:30am-1pm Friday, March 27 at Dubuque Golf & Country Club, 1800 Randall Place. Lunch buffet is followed by commentary by William Intriligator, Cellist Zuill Bailey and composer Michael Gilbertson. Reservations due by noon, Wednesday, March 25 and can be made by calling 563-557-1677.
Encore Reception, Saturday, March 28th. Saturday evening concert attendance includes admission to post-concert reception. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, cash bar & visit with DSO musicians. Sponsored by Poppy Conlon & Jason Benson.
Musical Musings, Intriligator presents a free pre-concert lecture in Five Flags Theater on Sunday, March 29 at 1:00pm
