The Fire Within: Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Opens a Luminous season October 3-4

The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra (DSO) launches its 2026-27 concert season, Spirit, Luminous, inviting audiences to discover the transformative power of music to inspire, connect and illuminate the human experience. The opening program: The Fire Within, promises performances fueled by passion, intensity and some of the most celebrated works in the orchestral repertoire.

The concert begins with Mikhail Glinka’s exhilarating Russlan and Ludmilla Overture, followed by pianist Ilya Yakushev, who returns to the DSO stage to perform Tchaikovsky’s iconic Piano Concerto No. 1. Renowned for its sweeping melodies, technical brilliance and emotional power, the concerto remains one of the most beloved works in the piano repertoire. The program concludes with Brahms’ monumental Symphony No. 1, taking listeners on a dramatic musical journey from quiet embers to a full orchestral blaze.

Together, the works embody the spirit behind the DSO’s new season: music that burns brightly, moves deeply and brings people together.

“We’ve brought together a vibrant collection of orchestral masterworks that invite audiences to experience music not simply as something to hear, but as something to feel and share,” states Music Director and Conductor William Intriligator. “With The Fire Within, we’re setting the stage for a season that invites people to gather, connect and discover something luminous in the music.”

Performances will be held 7:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 3 and 2:00 pm Sunday, Oct. 4 at Five Flags Theater, downtown Dubuque.

Tickets start at $24 and are available online at dubuquesymphony.org or purchase direct at Five Flags 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 2 at Dubuque Golf & Country Club, 1800 Randall Place. Lunch buffet is followed by commentary by William Intriligator and pianist Ilya Yakushev. $22. Reservations due by noon, Wednesday, October 1 and can be made by calling 563-557-1677.

Encore Reception, Saturday, October 3. 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 4 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 Wednesday, September 30^th.

More information at www.DubuqueSymphony.org.