“Iowan Sounds” (Contemporary Classical Music – Rolling Hills Music Festival)

Discover the Midwestern music of today with this special concert in collaboration with the Iowa Composers Forum. Features a program entirely of contemporary works by regional composers, including a world premiere!

Music will be performed by top local professionals:

• Jonathan Sturm, concertmaster Des Moines Symphony
• Gregory Oakes, principal clarinet Des Moines Symphony & ISU music professor
• Kimberly Helton, flutist with Des Moines Metro Opera, Des Moines Symphony, Orchestra Iowa
• Nicholas Roth, pianist & professor of music at Drake University

After the performance, stay for refreshments and a brief Q&A with the performers and composers.

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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.