@jasonweinberger with the next generation of harpsichord fans! Thanks to all the curious young listeners who joined us this morning for our exploration of this magnificent instrument and the music that Bach composed for it.

And special gratitude to our Lollipop series sponsors who make it possible for us to offer our community these experiences free of charge: Tri-County Child and Family Development Council, Inc, The Cedar Falls Community Foundation's Kathryn Ray Fund for the Cedar Falls Public Library, the RJ McElroy Trust, and an anonymous donor!

Forget the DJ and instead experience the party music that delighted classical Vienna! Tomorrow evening we'll transport you back to Mozart's time with music he and his contemporaries wrote for the entertainment of their patrons: wind serenades and dances. Waterloo's intimate Brown Derby Ballroom, almost identical in shape and size to the rooms where this music was first performed, is the perfect setting for an 18th century-style throw down! The 5pm is sold out but seats remain for the 8:30pm show (and tickets for the latter will be available at the door).

Behind the scenes at @garykelleyart​’s Cedar Falls studio. Gary and videographer Jacob Meade have been hard at work creating unforgettable visuals for Sunday’s world premiere performance of Nachtmusik.

The wcfsymphony Brass Quintet went on ice to perform Harry Potter selections at last weekend's Waterloo Black Hawks game. Experience the main event this Sunday!

This fall wcfsymphony and Tri-County Child and Family Development Council have partnered to bring live music and our Instrument Petting Zoo to kids at both of Tri-County's Head Start centers. As you can see, the project has already introduced these bright young people to what Jason Weinberger calls "the pure joy that comes from live music. We jumped at this opportunity to partner with Tri-County Head Start to introduce our newest young patrons to the wonders of orchestral music."

Pictured are wcfsymphony Principal Viola Kathleen Sihler and her Duo Rosa partner Beth Oakes, wcfsymphony Operations Manager Matthew Coley, and wcfsymphony Education Coordinator Brent Mead. Thank you to everyone at Tri-County for all of your work and partnership!

A letter from Jason Weinberger about a few big changes at wcfsymphony:

These words of the Greek philosopher Heraclitus are remarkably applicable to the ever-evolving, technologically-driven nature of modern life. And they are especially relevant for contemporary musicians, whose industry and relationships with audiences are changing radically.

Here at wcfsymphony we have committed ourselves to be adaptable, nimble, and contemporary in the face of these fundamental changes to the environment in which we work. One of the hallmarks of that approach has been my service as wcfsymphony’s CEO for the past four-plus years. In 2012 we recognized an opportunity to implement this unique leadership approach, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished in the time since then: the development of an inspiring mission statement and brand; the presentation of high quality, creatively conceived live events which appeal to a diverse audience; the restructuring of our boards and their activities; and most importantly the expansion of our role as a community asset through a wholesale rethinking of our performance venues and our relationship with audiences in Cedar Falls, Waterloo, and surrounding communities.

Now we are ready to embrace another major change. This winter I will step down from my role as wcfsymphony’s CEO to focus my energies on the artistic, educational, and community aspects of our work. Beginning in October we will seek a new executive director to help us solidify our financial foundation and lay the groundwork for many more years of ensemble music here in our community. (If you know anyone who would be an excellent candidate for this position please refer them to the job posting for more information.)

In addition to this staffing change, I am thrilled to announce another major change to my work with wcfsymphony. Beginning with this fall’s concerts my new title will be the Pauline Barrett Artistic Director and Conductor, marking the first time that our artistic leadership position has been underwritten. Pauline’s incredible generosity inspires me deeply, and I hope that I can live up to her commitment with equally inspired performances for all of you.

As I move into this new phase with wcfsymphony I do want to acknowledge one thing that has not changed: my feeling of gratitude for our audiences and our musicians, who make all of my work here so rewarding and meaningful. Thank you!

Our 2016-17 season is now on sale! 🎟 Highlights include: 🎻 Two seasonal performances of the Four Seasons pairing Vivaldi’s original with Max Richter’s contemporary take 🔮 Another signature wcfsymphony celebration of film music, this time John Williams’ magical scores for Harry Potter 🎞 A visually and culturally rich Nutcracker presentation by artist Gary Kelley set to Duke Ellington’s jazzy version of the suite 🙋🏻 An exploration of one of classical music’s most notable women, Clara Schumann Come experience Iowa’s most inspiring and creative orchestral concerts with us!

Introducing the inaugural symphonyCycle jersey! Even though speed is not a factor at next weekend's event, you will look fast in this beautiful custom design. And donning one on May 14 and throughout the cycling season is a great way to show your support for wcfsymphony. Jerseys in all sizes for men and women are available for sale now!

Ahead of our 2016 Youth Concerts exploring Stravinsky’s Firebird, elementary school students from across the region augmented their musical studies of the ballet suite with a special art project. Here are some of the highlights from the hundreds of beautiful creations sent to us by Cedar Valley schools. This selection of artworks - all of which were featured on-screen alongside our performance at the Youth Concerts - are by 4th and 5th graders from Blessed Sacrament, Becker, Fairbank, Hudson, Kingsley, Lenihan, Lowell, Orange, St. Pat’s, and Readlyn elementaries in northern Iowa.

Thank you to the four thousand students and educators who participated in our Youth Concert activities this year, and to the Max and Helen Guernsey Charitable Foundation, McElroy Trust, Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, contributors in memory of Lorene L. Rohlf, and Friends of wcfsymphony for supporting our efforts to offer these unforgettable experiences to so many young people!