About Burlington Civic Music

Summary

Burlington Civic Music celebrates its 94th year of providing a series of outstanding and varied programs to entertain, enrich, and educate audiences from Southeast Iowa and Western Illinois. Opening its first concert October 1929, artists first appeared in churches and schools. With the newly opened Burlington Memorial Auditorium in 1939, BCM found its new home venue.


Incorporated as a 501(c)3 in March 1984, the now non-profit association continued its original mission to popularize good music in the community, further artistic advancement in the community, find funding to present great concerts to the community and ensure permanency in the concert series.


The 1,700 facility on the banks of the picturesque Mississippi continues to roll in tune with keeping live music on the river alive and well.

History

1929 – 1938 The first 10 seasons offered three or four performances per season. Performances were held at local churches and schools. Highlights were:

  • Pianist Jose Echanis
  • Soprano Claudia Muzio
  • Tenor Jose Mojica

1939 – 1960 44 performances occurred, including:

  • Arthur Rubenstein and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
  • Mantovani
  • Robert Shaw Chorale
  • Van Cliburn

1961 – 1970 Highlights:

  • Boston Pops
  • Peter Nero
  • Ray Bolger
  • Roger William

1971 – 1981

  • Henry Mancini and his 40 piece orchestra
  • Ballet West
  • Marcel Marceau
  • Fiddler on the Roof
  • Bob Hope
  • My Fair Lady

1981 – 1991 Highlights:

  • Minneapolis Orchestra
  • Bob Newhart
  • American Ballet II
  • Simon Estes
  • West Side Story
  • The Dallas Brass

1991-2001 Highlights:

  • The U of Iowa Symphony Orchestra
  • Warsaw Soloists
  • Cabaret
  • The Ahn Trio
  • Tony Sandler and Friends
  • Camelot

2001 – 2011 Highlights:

  • Mikhail Petukov, classical pianist
  • Jazzing the Classica, violin and piano team
  • Singing in the Rain
  • Glen Miller Orchestra
  • Chicago
  • Cantus

2011 – 2019 Rick Benjamin’s Ragtime Orchestra/”Steamboat Bill”, silent screen with Buster Keeton

  • Jeri Sager
  • Moscow Festival Ballet…Cinderella
  • The Addams Family
  • The Texas Tenors
  • My Fair Lady
  • Melissa Errico
  • Winter Dance Party
  • Wind Sync
  • Dallas String Quart: DSQ
  • A Charlie Brown Christmas