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Support the DSO
The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the receipt of more than $90,000 in grant funding to support artistic excellence, innovative programming, and music education opportunities throughout the tri-state region.
Support from local, state, and regional funders helps make it possible for the DSO to bring outstanding guest artists, meaningful educational experiences, and high-quality performances to our community. We are deeply grateful for the investment these organizations are making in the arts and in the cultural vitality of our region.
City of Dubuque FY'27 Arts & Culture Operating Support Grant
The DSO was awarded more than $25,000 through the City of Dubuque's FY'27 Arts & Culture Operating Support Grant program. This funding provides essential support for the organization's ongoing operations and helps ensure the continued delivery of symphonic performances, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives.
City of Dubuque FY'27 Arts & Culture Capacity Building Grant
The DSO also received an $8,000 Capacity Building Grant from the City of Dubuque in support of the Orchestra's new Chamber Concert Series. The series offers audiences unique opportunities to experience world-class musicians in intimate settings throughout the community.
The 2026-27 Chamber Concert Series will be performed:
“The Dubuque Symphony is grateful for the City of Dubuque’s support of our growing chamber music initiatives. These small ensemble performances allow us to deepen our community impact, bring live music to more people in more places, and is an exciting opportunity for the DSO to connect with audiences in new ways.” ~ Mark Wahlert
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs ART Project Grant, and DRA Core Grant
The DSO was awarded a $25,000 ART Project Grant for Organizations from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and a $30,000 Core Grant from the DRA in support of A Season of Iowa Artists. This special initiative celebrates the exceptional talent found throughout our state and region by partnering with distinguished Iowa-connected artists and arts organizations.
Highlights of the season include collaborations with Dubuque-based guitarist Marcus DeJesus, the Dubuque Chorale, Heartland Ballet, renowned tenor and Dubuque-native Eric Ferring, Iowa-born cellist Philip Bergman, and additional guest artists throughout the season.
Through these collaborations, audiences will experience performances featuring outstanding artists whose work reflects the creativity and artistic excellence of Iowa and the Midwest.
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and Iowa Arts Council exist within the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
Schoen Family Charitable Trust
The DSO was awarded a $2,750 grant to support its Adopt a Musician program, which connects professional musicians with 16 Dubuque-area fourth-grade classrooms to inspire music appreciation and learning. This program will impact more than 850 elementary students during the 2026–2027 school year.
Investing in Our Community Through the Arts
These grants represent more than financial support—they are investments in the power of music to educate, inspire, and connect people of all ages. The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra extends its sincere appreciation to the City of Dubuque, the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, the Iowa Arts Council, the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the DRA and the Schoen Family Charitable Trust for their partnership and commitment to strengthening the arts in our community.
Together, these investments help ensure that exceptional live music, arts education, and community collaborations remain accessible to audiences throughout the tri-state region.
