Classical Concert: “Homeward Bound” (Rolling Hills Music Festival)

“We’re all just walking each other home,” Ram Dass said. This program features string music that honors home and belonging — including two uniquely Midwestern compositions.

Program:

• Shelley Washington’s “Middleground” (2015) – inspired by the composer’s native Kansas
• Maurice Ravel’s Sonata for Violin & Cello
• Antonin Dvorak’s iconic String Quartet No. 12 “American” – written in Iowa (and one of the most popular string quartets of all time!)

Performers:

• Rachel Walter (Orchestra Iowa, Burch Trio, Oak Quartet)
• Ari Dubin (former Des Moines Symphony violinist + founder of Rolling Hills Music Festival
• Roslyn Green (principal viola Des Moines Symphony)
• Yeil Park (ISU grad, former cellist Arizona Opera, Sedona Symphony)

Tickets are general admission: $20 adults, $7 for seniors and students, plus a pay-what-you-can option starting at $5 for those with more limited incomes.

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Rolling Hills Music Festival is a celebration of homegrown classical music in the heart of Iowa. The inaugural season takes place August 6-9, 2026, with five events at five different venues across Ames. Each event features top local/regional professionals and incorporates compositions with an Iowa connection. Discover classical music, Iowa-style! Locally rooted, innovative, and neighborly.