By Ming Vierra for the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra
MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa – Joyful noises will ring through three Eastern Iowa auditoriums March 14 and 15 when the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra presents its Beethoven 9th Masterworks concert.
More than 100 musicians — including the orchestra, the SEISO Chorus, and four acclaimed soloists, Jessica Faselt, Jill Phillips, Dennis Willhoit and Jeremiah Sanders — will unite on work known as “Ode to Joy.”
The popular Symphony No. 9, composed after Ludwig van Beethoven lost his hearing, is regarded as one of the most powerful and uplifting moments in all of classical music. This celebration of humanity and hope premiered in Vienna in 1824.
The program also includes the premiere of the two-movement composition “at willow’s edge” by award-winning composer Jordan Jinosko, featuring SEISO Principal Trumpet Derrick Murphy. Murphy, a longtime Burlington educator and Director of Bands at Burlington Community High School, has served as principal trumpet of SEISO for many years. Listeners will experience the quiet beauty and heartfelt emotion embedded in every note through Murphy’s expressive playing.
Students and children can attend Beethoven’s 9th and all the Masterworks concerts for free. Families are strongly encouraged to reserve youth tickets in advance at www.seiso.us, as limited tickets will be available at the door.
If You Go
What: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 & Jinosko’s “at willow’s edge”
Who: Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, SEISO Chorus, Jessica Faselt (soprano), Jill Phillips (alto), Dennis Willhoit (tenor), Jeremiah Sanders (baritone), and Principal Trumpet Derrick Murphy
When & Where:
March 14, 2026: 7 p.m., Capitol Theater, Burlington
March 15, 2026: 2 p.m., Bridge View Center, Ottumwa
March 15, 2026: 6:30 p.m., Chapel Auditorium, Mount Pleasant
Admission: $20 general admission. Free for students and children; reserve in advance at www.seiso.us