The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the extension of Music Director and Conductor William Intriligator’s contract through June of 2029
“During his 25-year tenure as Music Director of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, Maestro William Intriligator has provided outstanding classical music and education to the Dubuque community,” shares DSO Board President Greg Rehmke. “William has an incredible ability to collaborate with other artists to present unique and exciting live classical music experiences. I'm happy to announce the Dubuque community can enjoy those experiences for years to come.”
Intriligator, who joined the orchestra in 2000, has overseen many commissions of new music for the orchestra and has developed programming to reach audiences in new ways and in a variety of places, including Five Flags Theatre, the Mississippi Moon Bar, Voices in the Warehouse district, and the Dubuque Arboretum.
The orchestra’s 2024/25 season marked the Maestro’s 25th season with the DSO, and season highlights included a fully staged production of the ballet Swan Lake, world premiere commissions by Michael Gilbertson and Timothy Hagen, a celebration of Latin-American music, and star soloists like cellist Zuill Baliey and violinist Rachel Barton Pine.
The DSO’s 2025/26 season kicks off in October with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, featuring GRAMMY Award-winning pianist Michelle Cann. Season highlights include community chamber music performances, an additional DSO Rocks! concert at the Mississippi Moon Bar, the return of cellist Zuill Bailey to premiere a new Cello Concerto by Dubuque native composer Michael Gilbertson, and a monumental season finale with Beethoven’s 9th “Choral” Symphony.
“I am thrilled to continue as the Music Director and Conductor of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra!” shares Intriligator. “This new four-year contract allows me to build upon my vision for the DSO —one rooted in the belief that music is for everyone and that music changes lives. This organization is deeply committed to collaboration and partnership, celebrates and promotes native talent from the Tri-State region, and continually innovates and explores new possibilities.
As I reflect on my 25 years as your Maestro, I’m incredibly proud of all we’ve accomplished together. Yet, I often say the Maestro receives too much credit—everything we do is truly a team effort. Our success is thanks to the remarkable DSO musicians, dedicated staff, our engaged Board of Directors, and the spirited DSO League. It has been especially meaningful to work alongside Executive Director Mark Wahlert, my trusted partner in all things DSO.
In just a few years, I’ll be the longest-serving Music Director in the history of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. When I moved here in 2000, I never imagined what a wonderful, long-term fit this would become. This community welcomed me with open arms—my sons were born and raised here, and Dubuque has truly become my home. Being named the 2024 TH First Citizen was an incredible honor, and I’m equally honored to continue serving as your Maestro for four more years.”
In 2013, Maestro Intriligator was awarded the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society’s Elisha Darlin Award in recognition of his impact on the cultural landscape of Dubuque. In 2014, the orchestra also received the Dubuque365 Impact Award in Music, recognizing the many ways the orchestra reaches out to the community. Intriligator was recently awarded Telegraph Herald’s First Citizen of 2024, a time-honored award which singles out some of the greatest leaders in local history.
Intriligator is the third music director in the 66-year history of the orchestra.
