Orchestra Iowa (previously the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra) presented their next-to-last concert of the season on Sunday, May 18 at the Coralville Center For the Performing Arts. I don’t think it was designed as a symphonic venue; the stage looks a little snug for a full orchestra. But as a venue, it has a lot going […]
Orchestra Iowa
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Orchestra Iowa’s centennial season features Iowa composers and world-class performers
Lasting 100 years is clearly something for any arts organization to celebrate. “It gives an illusion of permanence,” says Orchestra Iowa music director Timothy Hankewich. “But nowhere is it written that a community will have a symphony orchestra.” In recent decades, many orchestras have folded in the United States. The continuous existence of Orchestra Iowa […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Eastern Iowa authors, arts organizations awarded $90,000 in NEA grants
Artists and arts organizations across the U.S. received good news Tuesday, as $33.2 million in grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) were announced. Five Iowa orgs and individuals were among the award recipients, receiving a total of $90,000 in grants. All five are located in eastern Iowa — two in Cedar Rapids, […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Linn-Mar High School quartet to perform with the (almost) Beatles and the (sort of) Rolling Stones at the Paramount Theatre
Four Linn-Mar High School orchestra students will help two nationally-renowned tribute bands recreate the ’60s, when Beatles vs. Stones — A Musical Showdown comes to Cedar Rapids next week. Seniors Kara Lindsey, Kit Iyer, Allie Schumacher and junior Alex Drahos will join Abbey Road, a Beatles tribute band, and Satisfaction, a Rolling
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Review: Orchestra Iowa brings gusto and grace to John Williams’ beloved film scores
When I spoke with Maestro Timothy Hankewich a few days ahead of Orchestra Iowa’s presentation “John Williams: A Night at the Movies,” he was insistent about one thing. The audience should come to the Paramount Theatre in costume. So Saturday night, I donned a Superman t-shirt and grabbed my reviewing notebook and a pen. With […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Essay: On ‘The Nutcracker’ and ballet’s diversity problem
The Nutcracker The Englert Theatre ($16-$18) Fri., Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 5, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 6, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Paramount Theatre ($87-$128) Sat., Dec. 5, 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec. 6, 2:30 p.m. The Nutcracker has a wild and complicated history. The original creepy tale by […]
