Mount Pleasant Mayor Steve Brimhall has issued a proclamation celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, recognizing the ensemble’s long-standing contributions to education, culture, and community life across the region.
The proclamation highlights the symphony’s deep roots in Mount Pleasant, where its founding story is intertwined with the area’s history and its ongoing partnerships with schools and institutions throughout southeast Iowa. For decades, the Old Main building has served as the home base for the symphony, its adult chorus, and children’s choir. Performances are often held in the historic Chapel Auditorium, now part of the Mount Pleasant Community School District, where the acoustics have long been praised as ideal for live music.
Mount Pleasant holds a special place in the orchestra’s history as the exclusive home of its cherished “Holiday Concert” each December. This anniversary season will also introduce a new Valentine’s Day concert, adding to the ensemble’s traditions.
Mayor Brimhall’s proclamation praised the symphony for providing invaluable opportunities to both professional and student musicians, while also offering world-class performances to audiences in a largely rural region. He also commended the organization’s long-standing practice of providing free admission for children, students, and those in need—an effort that reflects its values of accessibility and community service.
“As we celebrate 75 years of excellence, Mount Pleasant is proud to serve as the home base for an organization that brings world-class music to Southeast Iowa,” the proclamation reads.
The City Council approved the proclamation, formally recognizing the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra as a cultural treasure and an important partner in the region’s educational and artistic life.