Des Moines Community OrchestraCurrently led by Music Director and Conductor, Carl Johnson, the Des Moines Community Orchestra was founded by Dr. Janice Wade in 1976, gathering together interested area musician acquaintances. The first concert featured guest percussion soloist, Drake faculty member Larry Kaptain, playing the Milhaud percussion concerto. Interest in the orchestra continued to grow, and the fledgling group could be found rehearsing and performing all around town, encouraged by donations of time, space and financial assistance from members and supporters.
Each December since 1986, the Des Moines Community Orchestra has presented a sing-along performance of Handel’s Messiah in which the audience sings the chorus parts of Messiah. Often a guest conductor leads the performance. This tradition has given talented vocal leaders the opportunity to conduct the orchestra, and to shape the performance of one of the great vocal compositions
