The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra’s 2025-2026 season opener promises to be more than just a concert - it’s a joyful, heartfelt tribute to the creative voices that have shaped this nation’s musical identity.
The concert begins with Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, a brilliant and high-spirited piece filled with quick wit and vibrant orchestral color. Its lively character provides an energetic opening, immediately showcasing the orchestra’s dynamic range.
The program continues with Duke Ellington’s 1951 tone poem Harlem, a richly textured musical portrait of one of New York City’s most iconic neighborhoods. Ellington’s composition captures the energy, complexity, and cultural depth of Harlem through bold rhythms and colorful instrumentation.
Making her debut with the DSO is Grammy Award-winning pianist Michelle Cann, who will perform Florence Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement. A pioneering figure in American classical music, Price was the first African American woman to achieve national recognition as a symphonic composer. Her concerto blends lyrical beauty with bold, expressive themes. Cann, known for her passionate advocacy of Price’s work, is expected to deliver a performance of emotional depth and historical resonance.
The program concludes with George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a landmark piece that blends jazz and classical traditions into a uniquely American sound. With its unmistakable opening clarinet glissando and sweeping piano passages, Rhapsody remains a favorite among audiences. Cann returns to the piano to lead this spirited finale, bringing the weekend’s concerts to an exhilarating close.
Performances will be held 7:30pm Saturday, Oct. 4 and 2:00pm Sunday, Oct. 5 at Five Flags Theater, downtown Dubuque.
Tickets start at $20 and are available through Five Flags Box Office, or dubuquesymphony.org. Purchase direct at the Box Office to avoid Ticketmaster online fees. Open Thursdays and Fridays 10am-5pm (entrance at 4th and Locust Streets) and one hour prior to performance in theater lobby.
This concert is made possible by the generous support of Cottingham & Butler.
Supplemental Concert Events:
Sound Bites Luncheon, 11:30am-1pm Friday, October 3 at Dubuque Golf & Country Club, 1800 Randall Place. Lunch buffet is followed by commentary by William Intriligator and pianist Michelle Cann. $22. Reservations due by noon, Wednesday, October 1 and can be made by calling 563-557-1677.
Encore Reception, Saturday, October 4. 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, October 5 at 1:00pm.
Season tickets are still available at the DSO office, with packages of 3 or all 4 Classics Concerts. New subscribers get 30% off single ticket prices for the full 4 Classics series. Call 563-557-1677 by Tuesday, September 30th.
