A lovely night: Symphony to perform Heart to Heart concert
by Margaret Hurlbert
January 31, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa–With love in the air and Valentine’s Day just days away, the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra looks forward to celebrating with their MasterWorks III: Heart to Heart concert Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church (400 Iowa Avenue in Muscatine). Paired with the A Delicious Combination dinner at Geneva Golf and Country Club (3100 Bidwell Road in Muscatine) at 5 p.m., the evening makes for the perfect romantic celebration for music lovers.

To start the evening off, Geneva will serve a full meal to all who purchased A Delicious Combination dinner tickets. A celebration of good food and good companionship, Muscatine Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor Brian Dollinger anticipates a perfect outing for all who attend. He shared, “our annual A Delicious Combination preconcert dinner has always been a highlight of the year.” He also finds that, “wonderful ambiance, great service, and always delicious food make for a great complete evening.”

Following the meal, the Heart to Heart Concert will bring some of the most romantic and beloved songs from musicals and operas to life through the artistry of husband and wife singers John and Tracy Koch. Friends of Dollinger connected to his alma matter of Illinois State University, Dollinger welcomed the chance to bring these two talented singers along to share the stage with the Symphony. “I have wanted to program a performance with the two of them for some years, and I am happy we’ve finally been able to make it work out for Muscatine!” he beamed.

For this show, the Kochs will perform some very recognizable songs from both musicals and opera. A highlight of the night, the orchestra will perform some instrumental versions of songs from the iconic musicals “West Side Story,” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”

A stirring and uplifting performance, Dollinger hopes to continue the season’s theme of Music’s Alive even in the dead of winter. “To be ‘alive’ one must have emotions, feelings, experiences,” remarked Dollinger: “This performance runs that gamut of all of these and much more. Rhythms, soaring melodies, heartfelt messages – all combine to make us feel ‘alive.'”

Whether you would like to enjoy an evening of good music or a special outing with a loved one, the Symphony’s A Delicious Combination and Heart to Heart concert will offer something for all comers. “These types of concerts are filled with music that literally everyone will know and recognize; whether it’s operatic or musical, this is going to be a great show!” Dollinger emphasized. Dinner tickets will cost $55 a piece and concert only tickets will cost $15 for patrons age 18 and up. People may purchase tickets for either event by visiting the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra’s website.

An event unlike any other in Muscatine, Dollinger invites the community to take in the romance of the season and enjoy A Delicious Combination and the Heart to Heart concert: “This is always a perfect gift for Valentine’s Day. Give your loved one some flowers and chocolate to boot, and you have the best date night you can find in Muscatine.”

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