As our 100th season draws to a close, I reflect upon the power of community and live music. The 2025–2026 season marked a defining moment in the history of Civic Music Association – a celebration of our legacy and a powerful reminder of CMA’s continued relevance and impact.

Dr. Ashley Sidon

Our centennial programming exhibited the highest level of artistic excellence, honoring CMA’s history while embracing its future. Legendary artists Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax, and leading contemporary jazz musicians New York Voices, Fred Hersch, and Bria Skonberg celebrated both the richness of the classical tradition and the vitality of American music. They drew enthusiastic and diverse audiences throughout the season.

Equally central to our mission is the depth of educational and community engagement. This past year, CMA expanded its reach through an array of meaningful programs that connected artists and audiences beyond the stage. Highlights included a combined high school cello choir in collaboration with Yo-Yo Ma, an intimate Q&A session with Emanuel Ax that reached several generations of music afficionados, and jazz choir clinics led by visiting artists. We were especially proud to host an all-female honor jazz band that created a platform for inspiring and empowering young musicians, and an opportunity for discussing the role of the arts in personal and community well-being. Community outreach was further strengthened through the artistry of the Belin String Quartet and numerous partnerships, including OLLI, Wellabe, Prairie Meadows, and the Des Moines Symphony Academy.

None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary support of our community. CMA is deeply grateful to its board, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and audience members whose generosity and engagement made this milestone year so successful. Your investment ensures that CMA remains a vital cultural resource for central Iowa.

As we enter our second century, we do so with clarity of purpose and ambition for the future. The remarkably strong foundation set by our first 100 years and the continued support of our community promise to make the next 100 just as extraordinary!

With gratitude,

Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship and award recipients! We’re thrilled to offer $9,000 to such worthy winners toward their pursuit of music. Meet the 2026 winners:

CMA Studio’s schedule was full this season! Since CMA turned 100 this year, the education events were very special and celebrated CMA’s long history of bringing musical opportunities to young local musicians.

Summer 2025: Belin Quartet Summer Concert Series

Thanks to the generosity of the Belin family, the Belin Quartet offers free performances for 10 weeks each summer at the historic Salisbury House & Gardens and other venues. People of all ages are welcome at these performances, and CMA offers activities for kids, such as free coloring pages, to encourage families to attend and enjoy the music. With seating offered and plenty of green space to lay out a picnic blanket, there were plenty of opportunities for families to have fun while exposing their children to great music this past summer! CMA is very excited for the Belin Quartet 2026 Summer Concert Series starting at the end of May!

October 2025-April 2026: Belin Quartet in Local Schools

The Belin Quartet serves the community every year by giving interactive performances in 10 local elementary schools. They continued this tradition this year, likely introducing kids to chamber music for the first time. Some students were even able to join the quartet onstage to try playing a few notes on the viola.

This year, over 1,000 students heard the Belin Quartet during their tour of schools. CMA and the Belin Quartet hope that this will spark a lifelong interest in music for these young students and will increase dedication to music curriculum and involvement in schools.

November 2025: Yo-Yo Ma

Legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma opened the CMA Centennial Season with a bang! Before the concert, a Midwest-area high school and collegiate-level honor cello choir performed in the Civic Center lobby. The cello choir rehearsed once at Drake University and gave an inspiring performance despite having met for the first time only hours earlier. Cellist Anthony Muñoz, conductor of the Ottumwa Symphony Youth Orchestra and student of CMA Executive Director Ashley Sidon, led the group. After the lobby performance, the students attended the Yo-Yo Ma concert together.

The lobby performance, combined with attendance of the Yo-Yo Ma concert afterwards, resulted in a very unique educational experience for these students that they are sure to remember for years to come. CMA is very grateful to our Executive Director, Ashley Sidon, and others for organizing this event!

December 2025: New York Voices

In December, Grammy Award-winning jazz vocal ensemble New York Voices worked with jazz choirs from Dallas Center Grimes, Roosevelt, and Valley high schools. These three jazz choirs each participated in a clinic at Valley High School, where they performed for each other and received live feedback from the members of New York Voices. After the clinic, the choirs watched the New York Voices concert. This was a great opportunity for the high school vocalists to witness the New York Voices putting into action what they taught.

Also, the Heartland Youth Choir caroled in the lobby of the Staplin Performing Arts Center before the New York Voices concert! The caroling and guests milling about with free warm drinks made for a cozy atmosphere for those waiting for the concert to start. The evening of the New York Voices concert was all around a magical evening of music, perfect for the Holiday Season.

February 2026: Emanuel Ax

World-renowned pianist Emanuel Ax gave a live Q&A at Sheslow Auditorium to local pianists. These pianists were able to ask him questions about his career, his artistry, his practice, and his day-to-day life while enjoying the camaraderie of being surrounded by other pianists. Questions ranged anywhere from “What is it like to play in Carnegie Hall?” to “Do you use your Grammy Awards as paper weights?”

Before the concert began, the winners of the Des Moines Music Teachers Association Student Competition performed on the Sheslow Auditorium stage. Sitting at the piano where Emanuel Ax would sit just minutes after them, the students gave impressive performances before joining the crowd to watch the concert. Performing in the same space as Emanuel Ax is sure to be an experience these students will never forget! 

March 2026: Bria Skonberg

An all-female honor jazz ensemble comprised of students from West Des Moines, Pella, Ankeny, Norwalk, and Winterset high schools participated in an honor jazz band clinic with Bria Skonberg. The ensemble joined Bria Skonberg to open the evening concert. Dubbed “the Fine Nine” by Skonberg, the ensemble gave a successful performance after having only met once to rehearse before the concert. Each member of the ensemble had a featured solo, showcasing the skill of every individual onstage. The future is bright for these students!

Before the honor jazz ensemble played, a display for the Violins of Hope was open for concert-goers to browse. Organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines, this exhibition showcased the world-renowned Violins of Hope, a collection of string instruments connected to Jewish musicians and the Holocaust. Many of these instruments were played during the Holocaust, including in ghettos and camps, under unimaginable conditions. Today, they are carefully restored and returned to the stage to share stories of memory, resilience, and hope. A couple of musicians played the violins as guests entered the Sheslow Auditorium lobby.

April 2026: Fred Hersch

Era-defining jazz pianist Fred Hersch gave an interactive lecture and performance at Drake University and Roosevelt High School. The event at Drake University was open to the public, and so many local musicians and music lovers attended to hear Hersch play in a more intimate setting. These events offered students and community members alike a rare opportunity to observe his artistry and insight up close and were a perfect way to close the CMA Studio 2025-2026 Season. It exemplified CMA’s mission to offer unique opportunities for students and community members to learn from artists like Fred Hersch, whose legacy has shaped the music world as we know it today.

CMA plans to have another year of meaningful educational events in the upcoming 101st Season. With an amazing list of artists coming to Des Moines, the events will not disappoint. Be on the lookout for CMA Studio news about the 101st Season! Learn more about CMA’s 101st Season >>

Since 2021, Civic Music has partnered with the Des Moines Music Teachers Association to provide an opportunity for young musicians in Iowa to perform for CMA audiences. This year, DMMTA Student Competition winners participated in a pre-concert performance before the Emanuel Ax concert in Sheslow Auditorium. This is a great opportunity for these young musicians to share the same stage as a legendary performer such as Emanuel Ax!

Audiences heard from students of Marcia Hintz, Cyndie Caruth, Dr. Marion Wilkinson Scott, Patricia Schroeder, and Dr. Nicholas Roth.

Performers included:

Hannah Xu, performing Hungary Rapsodie Mignonne Op. 410 by Koelling

Cecelia Cotran, performing Samba Bamba by Karp

Chloe Liang, performing Grandes études de Paganini, S. 141 No. 3 in G-sharp minor, “La Campanella” by Liszt

Sebastien Gearhart, performing Waltz, Op. 69 No. 2 in B Minor by Chopin

Zoe Podlich, performing Sonata in C Minor, K. 457 Mvt. 1 by Mozart

Isabelle Ryan, performing Etude Op. 40 No. 1 by Kapustin

Gwenyth Franczyk, performing Etude Op. 10 No. 8 by Chopin

Bella De Haan, performing Rustles of Spring, Op. 32 No.3 by Sinding

Arnav Dervesh, performing Nocturne in C Minor, Op. Posthumous by Chopin

CMA is so grateful to have a partnership with DMMTA that enables us to fulfill our mission to bring music education opportunities to local musicians. We hope that the student performers enjoyed their performance and the Emanuel Ax concert afterward! CMA hopes to continue this partnership in the future so that more and more Iowa musicians can have this experience.

Want to learn more about CMA Studio? Get more information here on our website.

Studio

The Vision Behind the Series

The series was born from the vision of Nixon and Virginia Lauridsen, longtime supporters of the Civic Music Association (CMA) who believed that central Iowa deserved regular access to the very highest level of solo piano performance. Inspired by the profound musical experiences they encountered at the Aspen Music Festival, the Lauridsen Great Pianists series launched in October of 2021.

A Powerful Debut: Yefim Bronfman (2021-2022 Season)

The inaugural recital of the Lauridsen Great Pianists Series featured the incomparable Yefim Bronfman, a pianist whose reputation as one of today’s most compelling and dynamic performers is truly global. Bronfman’s performance — featuring works by masters like Beethoven and Chopin — filled Hoyt Sherman Place with a dazzling array of sound: from fiery virtuosity to delicate nuance. His stature and artistry set a high bar and instantly established the series as a must-see event for classical music lovers.

Continuing the Tradition of Excellence

The series has continued to draw legendary artists in subsequent seasons:

Garrick Ohlsson (2022-2023 Season) — A true giant of the piano world and the only American to have won the prestigious International Chopin Competition, Ohlsson’s recital showcased his masterful technique and immense breadth of repertoire.

Helene Grimaud (2023-2024 Season) — The French pianist known for her deep musical insight and powerful interpretations brought her unique voice to the series, captivating audiences with her expressive range and profound connection to the music.

Nobuyuki Tsujii / NOBU (2024-2025 Season) — In March 2025, audiences experienced an unforgettable recital by the Van Cliburn Gold Medalist, a blind pianist famed for his breathtaking virtuosity and expressive depth.

Each of these artists brought their own distinctive voice — from Ohlsson’s expansive command of classical and romantic literature to Tsujii’s uniquely compelling musical presence — enriching the cultural fabric of Des Moines and drawing listeners from near and far.

Looking Ahead: Emanuel Ax (2025-2026 Centennial Season)

This year, the Lauridsen Great Pianists Series proudly presents Emanuel Ax, one of the most respected and beloved pianists of our era. With a career spanning decades, Ax has earned numerous Grammy Awards and accolades for his thoughtful musicianship, effortless artistry, and deep interpretations of a wide range of repertoire.

Ax’s appearance continues the series’ commitment to bringing world-class artists to audiences in an intimate recital format — a setting where every nuance of sound and expression can be felt deeply. His performance is sure to be a highlight of the season and a continuation of a tradition that celebrates both the power and poetry of the piano.

Why This Series Matters

The Lauridsen Great Pianists Series isn’t just a concert lineup: it’s a cultural statement. It connects audiences with living legends whose interpretations have shaped the way we hear the music of Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and beyond.

For music lovers in Iowa and beyond, the series offers something special: not just performances, but memorable experiences that illuminate the piano’s vast emotional palette and bring listeners closer to the heart of the music.

Whether you’re a lifelong classical fan or new to the genre, the Lauridsen Great Pianists Series offers a chance to witness the brilliance of some of the world’s finest pianists up close — and to be part of a growing tradition that honors the enduring power of piano performance.

Ready to attend? Get Tickets

This incredible milestone is the result of generosity, vision, and community spirit. When we launched the Centennial Capital Campaign, we set out with an ambitious goal of $1 million and surpassed that within the first few months of the campaign. Our bold goal of $2 million ensures Civic Music Association’s next 100 years are as phenomenal and transformative as the first. Thanks to the support of our donors, board members, volunteers, and music lovers throughout Central Iowa and beyond, that vision is becoming a reality.

Why $2 Million Matters

CMA supports music education for young students all over Central Iowa.

This campaign was about more than just raising dollars. It was about investing in the future of live music, education, and community impact. Funds raised through the Centennial Capital Campaign will:

• Strengthen educational residencies, giving students once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to learn from world-class artists.
• Expand outreach programs, bringing music into schools, community centers, and underserved areas.
• Support the presentation of globally renowned artists right here in Des Moines.
• Build long-term sustainability, so CMA can continue to inspire, connect, and enrich our community through music for generations to come.

A Community Effort

Reaching this $2 million goal was only possible because of the hundreds of individuals, families, businesses, and foundations who stepped forward to invest in our mission. Every single gift—whether large or small—made a difference. Together, you have helped us honor our 100-year legacy while looking confidently toward the future.

Check out the world-renowned artists coming to Iowa for CMA’s Centennial Season!

Celebrating the Centennial Season

As we celebrate this achievement, we are also thrilled to welcome audiences to our Centennial Anniversary Season, 2025–2026. This season will spotlight internationally acclaimed musicians, like Yo-Yo Ma, alongside bold trailblazers like Bria Skonberg, honoring the three visionary women who founded Civic Music Association in 1925. With your support, the Centennial Season will be a once-in-a-century celebration of the power of live music.

Thank You

To everyone who believed in Civic Music Association’s mission and made a gift to the Centennial Capital Campaign: thank you. Your generosity ensures that music will continue to inspire, educate, and unite our community for the next hundred years.

Here’s to the next century of Civic Music Association—100 Never Sounded So Good!

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Are you inspired to support CMA with a Campaign Gift? It’s not too late! Learn more about the Centennial Campaign and make your gift here.

We are excited to welcome a new intern at CMA! Bethany Winget joined our team in May as a Junior Intern working in public relations and marketing. Born and raised in Des Moines, Bethany is a proud Iowan and loyal supporter of the Des Moines music community. Because of the wonderful Iowa musicians who influenced her in high school, she chose to pursue a double major in Flute Performance and Performing Arts Management at the University of Northern Iowa, where she is currently a junior.

Bethany is deeply involved in the UNI School of Music. She is a member of the Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra, UNI Flute Choir, Selah Flute-Clarinet Duo, Violette Flute Quartet, and the Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity. Although she devotes most of her time to musical involvement, Bethany also strives for academic commitment as a UNI Presidential Scholar. In her free time, Bethany enjoys reading, video editing, traveling with her family, and walking her adorable golden retriever.

Bethany’s dedication to the Des Moines music community and enthusiasm for the future of music marketing make her a unique addition to the CMA family. We look forward to working with the her for the next couple of years!

Be sure to say hello to both of our interns at future CMA performances!

Photo:
Left- Anna, Senior Intern
Right- Bethany, Junior Intern

Congratulations to our 2025 scholarship and award recipients! We’re thrilled to offer $9,000 to such worthy winners toward their pursuit of music. Meet the 2025 winners:

CMA Excellence in Teaching Award

Jennifer Ghelf, Waukee South Middle School

“This award provides me the opportunity to continue to grow as a choral educator in ways that enhance my singers’ experiences. One way I plan to use this scholarship is to learn ways to incorporate technology in my classroom in a very intentional and purposeful way with online professional development courses. I am also going to attend the Midwest Regional ACDA Conference: “Reflections of Us” which will be February 25-28, 2025 in Milwaukee, WI. This conference has a focus on using our diverse traditions and experiences to create a community of singers that celebrates each other through the music they share with their communities.”

 

CMA Young Artist Scholarship Recipients 

1st Place High School: Andrew Wilson, Waukee High School

“It’s such an honor to receive this award from the Civic Music Association. It means a lot to be recognized by people in the field. This recognition will serve as an important credential on my early composition resumé. I plan on using these funds for a composition academy, music lessons, or purchasing higher quality virtual instruments for use with composition software.”

 

2nd Place High School: Clara Jero, Ankeny High School

“I’m very grateful to be receiving this scholarship to help my studies in music education. Music is very important to me, and the assistance of this award will help me have the best materials necessary for entering college. I’m planning to use this award to purchase a new professional instrument.”

 

1st Place College: Noelle Buck, Coe College

“I am incredibly honored to receive the CMA Young Artist Scholarship! This support will help me purchase essential percussion equipment and contribute to my college tuition. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue growing as a performer, scholar, and educator and pursuing my passion for music.”

 

2nd Place College: Anthony Muñoz, Drake University

“The Civic Music Association Young Artist Scholarship is an incredible honor that affirms my passion for teaching and sharing the power of music. This support not only eases the financial burden of my studies but also inspires me to continue growing as a music educator. I will use this generous scholarship to further my education and gain experiences that will help me become the best music educator possible.”

 

Majorie Spevak Music Scholarship

High School: Mentari Yang, Waukee NW High School

“I would like to thank CMA for awarding and acknowledging my dedication to music education along with my music directors and teachers who have supported, taught me, and wrote recommendation letters. I plan to use the scholarship for music camps and lessons to further my music education.”

 

Middle School: Nick Friesleben, Valley Southwoods Freshman HS

“I am honored and grateful to be chosen for the Marjorie Spevak Music Scholarship. This summer, I will be attending the Simpson Jazz Camp and the UNI Combo Camp. This generous scholarship will help me pay for tuition for both camps, which will allow me to further my trumpet and jazz education. I can’t wait to spend my summer playing music, and I appreciate the Civic Music Association helping me to do just that!”

Over the course of three months, six venues, and ten pieces, the Belin Quartet was able to bring a free concert experience to over 1,500 attendees.

The quartet members, Tracy Engman Finkelshteyn (violin), John Helmich (violin), Julie Fox Henson (violin), Rebecca Vieker (viola), and George Work (cello), rotated on and off stage throughout the duration of the season. On occasion, they were joined by special guests including Marion Scott (piano), Yi-Miao Huang (violin), Roslyn Green (viola), and Caleb Polashek (violin).

In addition to our main location at the Salisbury House and Gardens, the Belin Quartet performed at St. Augustin’s Catholic Church, The Temple for Performing Arts, the Marriott Downtown, and Caspe Terrace. 

This season’s performances featured audience favorites such as Brahms’ String Quartet in A minor Op. 51 No. 2 and Dvořák’s “Terzetto” Op. 74 and “Miniatures” Op. 75. 

The Belin Quartet was welcomed back to the 80/35 Music Festival where they played a variety of hits ranging from Queen to Slipknot to The Beatles and many more. 

Again, another very big thank you to everyone who supported the Belin Quartet; whether a patron, a volunteer, or a venue host, we could not have made this season possible without you. 

Can’t wait for next Summer!