Professor and Musician Dr. Eric McIntyre dives deep into the historical and cultural context behind the music you'll hear at Discover Groundbreaking Innovation, presented by the Des Moines Symphony.

This very special episode also includes an interview with composer Wang Lu. Her innovative piece, Surge, was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. The Des Moines Symphony will perform the Midwest Premiere of Surge in collaboration with the New York Philharmonic’s World Premiere.

In addition, renowned conductor Keith Lockhart, known for his tenure with the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops, will lead the Orchestra in Bartok’s groundbreaking Concerto for Orchestra and Barber’s gorgeous Violin Concerto, performed by fifteen-year-old prodigy Amaryn Olmeda.

Intro/outro music:

Moonrise by Steve Heitzeg

Performed by The Des Moines Symphony