Welcome to our 76th Season!
We’re kicking off the season with our Symphonic Blast concert with fireworks on Saturday, July 11 at Crapo Park.
Our Fall Pops concert, Puttin’ on the Ritz, brings Gershwin back to our stage with the Concerto in F, performed by the brilliant Elizabeth Crecca. American Idol Golden Ticket winner Kelsey Madsen takes the stage to sing Jazz/Pop standards.
In October, we feature Pictures at an Exhibition, one of the most beloved pieces in the entire orchestral repertoire, and for good reason. Respighi’s Fountains of Rome opens the evening with some of the most vivid orchestral writing you will ever hear, paired with the sweeping beauty of Spencer Myer performing Grieg’s Piano Concerto.
In March and April you’ll hear towering masterworks including Mahler’s Sixth and Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique, and the beloved Barber of Seville overture.
Our Pops Series also includes HollyDaze, a new Winter Brass Choir concert, and our Valentine’s concert returns!
Get HollyDaze FREE when you subscribe!
Next season for the first time ever, we will be charging for the HollyDaze concert. Single tickets for all of our concerts will be $25. But when you subscribe to any of our three ticket packages, you will still get HollyDaze FREE.
Get 7 concerts for only $99!
That’s 7 concerts for the price of 4! Or choose the Masterworks or Pops Series and get three concerts plus HollyDaze for only $75.
P.S. Stay after every concert and join us for a complimentary reception with hors d’oeuvres. It’s my favorite part of the concert. I’d love to meet you there.
P.P.S. Remember, kids and students go FREE to every concert!
Robert McConnell
Music Director & Conductor
Buy either the Masterworks Series or Pops Series packages for $75 and receive a free Hollydaze ticket!
Individual concert tickets will be available August 1st.
POPS
PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ
sponsored by the Mary Ann Baker Foundation
Elizabeth Crecca presents Gershwin’s dazzling Piano Concerto, and American Idol Golden Ticket winner Kelsey Madsen takes the stage to sing Jazz/Pop standards. Reserve your dinner tickets now, too!
September 19, 2026 • 7:00 PM • Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
September 20, 2026 • 6:30 PM • The Capitol, Burlington
Brass tracks
Our handpicked regional brass choir, including outstanding students, presents music by Giovanni Gabrieli, Richard Strauss, Adrienne Albert, and other masters, spanning five centuries.
January 10, 2027 • 2:00 PM • Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, Fairfield
valentine’s CELEBRATION OF LOVE
Bring someone you love! Our children’s choir joins the orchestra to celebrate a Valentine’s weekend with you. A perfect date night or family outing!
February 13, 2027 • 3:00 PM • Chapel Auditorium, Mt. Pleasant
MASTERWORKS
postcards from europe
Respighi's shimmering Fountains of Rome sets the scene, followed by the immensely popular Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition in Ravel's iconic orchestration. The evening culminates with our resident friend and returning soloist Spencer Myer applying his artistry to Grieg's beloved Piano Concerto.
Respighi- Fountains of Rome
Mussorgsky- Pictures at an Exhibition
Grieg - Piano Concerto in A Minor
October 10, 2026 • 7:00 PM • The Capitol, Burlington
October 11, 2026 • 2:00 PM • Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
October 11, 2026 • 6:30 PM • Chapel Auditorium, Mt. Pleasant
A Musical Universe
Mahler's Symphony No. 6 is one of the most monumental works in the orchestral canon — presented here in a unique way, as four distinct musical journeys under one magnificent umbrella. We are also pleased to feature a talented young artist from our regional competition as part of this extraordinary evening.
Mahler - Symphony No. 6 in A Minor
Marilyn Minford McCoid Young Artist Winner - TBA
March 13, 2027 • 7:00 PM • The Capitol, Burlington
March 14, 2027 • 2:00 PM • Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
March 14 2027 • 6:30 PM • Chapel Auditorium, Mt. Pleasant
Joy & Longing
The concert opens with the irresistible Rossini Barber of Seville Overture, followed by Jessie Montgomery's electrifying Starburst. Principal Oboe David Cyzak takes center stage as our spotlight soloist before the evening closes with Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 Pathétique — music of heartbreaking beauty and profound longing.
Rossini- Barber of Seville Overture
Jessie Montgomery - Starburst Artist-in-Residence: Oboist David Cyzak - TBA
Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 6 “Pathetique"
April 24, 2027 • 7:00 PM • The Capitol, Burlington April 25, 2027 • 2:00 PM • Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
April 25, 2027 • 6:30 PM • Chapel Auditorium, Mt. Pleasant
hollydaze
Sponsored by Meadow and Main Realty & Auction
Ring in the season with your favorite carols and plenty of holiday cheer!
December 12, 2026 • 3:00 PM • Chapel Auditorium, Mt. Pleasant
And don’t forget:
Kidsymphony
Wear your costume! The orchestra performs your favorites including “Golden” from KPOP Demon Hunters!
Saturday, October 31, 2026 11:00 AM • Bridge View Center, Ottumwa 2:00 PM • Chapel Auditorium, Mt. Pleasant
4:30 PM • The Capitol, Burlington
Sunday, November 1, 2026 2:00 PM • Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, Fairfield
4:00 PM • Washington Area Performing Arts & Events Center, Washington