The impending closure of Iowa Wesleyan University has created a real sense of uncertainty for the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, which rehearses, performs, and operates out of Iowa Wesleyan University. SEISO will continue to operate, but they aren’t sure how or where.
The orchestra is a true regional organization – it employs musicians from across the region (including Iowa City and Cedar Rapids in addition to Ottumwa, Mt. Pleasant, and Burlington), performs 15+ concerts annually, offers solo performance opportunities for local students, and brings educational performances to thousands of students across S.E. Iowa each year. The upcoming season finale, called “Spring Footprints” (April 22-23), which features Stravinsky’s legendary Rite of Spring, will host the largest performing ensemble the group has ever brought to stage.
There is a concerted effort to draw a record crowd of 1200 audience members over the weekend… so much so that the orchestra is offering a $1200 prize to a lucky concert goer to help attract new patrons to the seats – however in light of the shocking news, these efforts have taken on a new meaning as this could be the last time the organization performs at Iowa Wesleyan after 72 continuous seasons…and that this concert must prepare the organization for the uncertainty that lies ahead.
Support the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra and get your chance to win at the Capital Theater in Burlington on April 22nd at 7:30 PM, the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa on April 23rd at 2:00 PM or the IW Chapel Auditorium in Mt. Pleasant on April 23rd at 6:30 PM. A pre-concert talk by Conductor and Music Director Robert McConnell will be held 45 minutes prior to each concert.