Des Moines Community Orchestra

05/13/2026

The Des Moines Community Orchestra is delighted to announce that after an exciting year of memorable performances in our search process, Dr. Jonathan Sturm has been selected as our next Music Director and Conductor!

After a season filled with inspiring performances from three outstanding finalists, our musicians and board were moved by Dr. Sturm’s artistry, leadership, and vision for the future of DMCO. We are excited for the creativity, collaboration, and musical growth he will bring to our orchestra.

We also want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Kara Mather and Joshua Barlage, whose exceptional musicianship and thoughtful rehearsal leadership made this an incredibly meaningful search process. Their contributions enriched our season and reminded us of the remarkable talent within our musical community.

Thank you to every musician, supporter, and audience member who has been part of this journey. We look forward to beginning this new chapter with Dr. Sturm and sharing many more memorable performances with you.

Onward to a wonderful new season of music! 🎻✨

Dr. Kevin Allemagne
President of the Board of Directors and Principal Clarinet
Des Moines Community Orchestra

05/13/2026

Perfect way to finish our 50 year Anniversary season!🎉🎶🎉

DES MOINES, Iowa– The Des Moines Community Orchestra has been bringing free concerts to the metro for 50 years. The orchestra has grown over the years with now having around 85 members & #8220…

05/11/2026

Wanted to share this very special video featuring moms and loved ones of our orchestra members!
This was was shown during the concert yesterday! Please enjoy!🌷

Made with Google Vids https://vids.new/

05/11/2026

That’s a wrap for our exciting Audition Season and 50th Anniversary! 🎉🎶🎻🎶🪊

Hope you enjoyed our “Mozart and Motherhood” concert yesterday afternoon!
A big thank you goes to our amazing guest conductor, Kara Mather, soloist Kevin Allemagne, all of our DMCO musicians, and to you, our incredible audience! We were happy that our retired long time conductor, Carl Johnson, could join us and conduct the final piece!

We also thank guest conductors, Jonathan Sturm, and Joshua Barlage who conducted previous concerts this season, as well as James Thompson who conducted the Messiah!

We now have a very difficult decision to make. We will soon be choosing who will be our new permanent conductor. Stay tuned!

05/10/2026

Today is the day! It’s a beautiful day- perfect for Mother’s Day and our DMCO spring concert!
Please join us- see you soon!

Please join us for this enchanting concert! It will be the perfect way for you and your family to enjoy Mother’s Day afternoon!🌷💝🌹

Please note the location:
Staplin Performing Arts Center
Valley High School
West Des Moines

05/10/2026

It’s a beautiful day for our Mother’s Day concert! We’ll see you this afternoon!

2 PM
Staplin Performing Arts Center
Valley High School
West Des Moines

Pre concert talk at 1 PM
Reception following the concert

Please join us for this enchanting concert! It will be the perfect way for you and your family to enjoy Mother’s Day afternoon!🌷💝🌹

Please note the location:
Staplin Performing Arts Center
Valley High School
West Des Moines

05/07/2026

We’re in the final stretch as we prepare our tribute to Mozart and Motherhood. Guest conductor Kara Mather, along with DMCO Board President and featured soloist Kevin Allemagne, and all the members of the Des Moines Community Orchestra, are excited to welcome you this Mother’s Day at 2:00 p.m.

Come early for the pre‑concert talk at 1:00 p.m., and plan to stay afterward for a reception with cake and time to socialize with our musicians and community.

We can’t wait to share our 50th Anniversary celebration with you!

05/07/2026

Interview with Channel 13!!

Music and mothers will be celebrated this weekend, as the Des Moines Community Orchestra recognizes its 50th anniversary of creating beautiful music on Mother's Day. This weekend, they are debuting a very special concert, "Mozart and Motherhood, A Tribute."

05/06/2026

05/03/2026

Please enjoy this radio interview with guest conductor, Kara Mather and DMCO president, Dr Kevin Allemagne about our upcoming spring concert.🎶🌷🎶

The celebrated Des Moines Community Orchestra wraps a most memorable 50th Season with Mozart and Motherhood: A Tribute Sunday, May 10 at 2:00 PM with a...