A Celebration of Joy and Unity: Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Performs Beethoven's Ninth

DUBUQUE, Iowa - The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra will perform one of the most monumental works in the classical repertoire for the first time since its sold-out performances in April 2008. Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, widely regarded as one of the crowning achievements of Western music, is more than a concert. It is a powerful artistic declaration, affirming music's enduring ability to unite, uplift, and speak directly to the human spirit. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, and 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 19, 2026, in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center, University of Dubuque.

"Beethoven's Ninth Symphony changed the world," shares Music Director and Conductor William Intriligator. "And it continues to change the world with each new performance of this amazing, inspiring music."

For Intriligator, the work holds deep meaning. "Beethoven is my personal hero, and with this last symphony he completely changed the idea of what a symphony was - and what a symphony could do."

Composed while Beethoven was confronting near-total deafness, the Ninth Symphony stands as a remarkable triumph of imagination over adversity. At a moment when the composer could scarcely hear the world around him, he conceived a work of extraordinary scale and emotional reach.

"It is a testament to the power of the human spirit that a deaf, anti-social, lonely, misanthropic composer could overcome all his hardships and write this completely original new work, as a gift to humanity," Intriligator reflects.

Its revolutionary final movement forever altered the symphonic tradition by introducing vocal soloists and chorus into what had been a purely instrumental form. From this bold vision emerged the iconic "Ode to Joy," which Intriligator describes as "a testament to faith, joy, and brotherhood. A vision for a world united as one which manages to find joy and peace despite chaos and hardships."

For this landmark return, the DSO will be joined by an expansive, community-wide chorus that reflects the very spirit of unity at the heart of the work. The Dubuque Chorale will be joined by singers from Clarke University, the University of Dubuque, Loras College, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and Emmaus University.

Also joining the orchestra are four acclaimed vocal soloists: soprano Megan Gloss, mezzo-soprano Amanda Hauta, tenor Iris Allen, and bass Alvaro Ramirez, all of whom have appeared with the DSO previously.

While the chorus and soloists often draw special attention for their role in the "Ode to Joy," Intriligator emphasizes the orchestra's central role in the symphony's vast journey. From the mysterious opening that "seems to emulate creation itself," through the driving intensity of the Scherzo, and into the transcendent slow movement that "captures so many aspects of love and memory," the orchestra carries the listener across all four movements of this monumental work.

"This symphony will take us on a journey," Intriligator says. "We will be changed by the end. We will join the millions who have heard this music and been inspired to live and love more fully afterward."

Tickets start at $29 and are available online at dubuquesymphony.org or through the Farber Box Office, 2255 Bennett Street. The box office is open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 90 minutes prior to events.

Supplemental Concert Events:

Sound Bites Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Dubuque Golf and Country Club, 1800 Randall Place. Lunch buffet is followed by commentary by William Intriligator and guest soloists. $22 fee. Reservations due by noon, Wednesday, April 15, 2026, and can be made by calling 563.557.1677.

Concert Sponsor: MidWestOne Bank
Guest Artist Sponsor: Tim and Christine Conlon