Yankee Doodle Pops is a 4th of July celebration put on by the Des Moines Symphony every year on the state Capitol lawn. Maestro Joseph Giunta discusses how 9-11 changed his view of patriotism, and why it’s important to celebrate our troops and those who sacrificed. He also explains how he times 1812 overture cannon fire during their live performance.
Giunta has been with the Des Moines Symphony for 35 years. He recalls the early years when he considered the Des Moines Symphony as stuffy and explains why The Yankee Doodle Pops idea was actually started during his time in Minnesota. He also explains why music education is extremely valuable to our youngsters.
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A Vision for Community and Music
Joseph Giunta reminisced about the early days of Yankee Doodle Pops and his mission to bring the orchestra out of the Civic Center. “It was so important when I came to Des Moines that I get this orchestra out of the Civic Center so that every single person on the streets of Des Moines knew that Des Moines had an orchestra and knew that it was a darn good one,” he shared. The initial outdoor concerts at Living History Farms and later downtown drew unprecedented crowds, establishing a tradition that has grown into the largest live concert in Iowa.
Giunta’s inspiration for Yankee Doodle Pops stemmed from a 4th of July concert he conducted in Minnesota, which drew over 100,000 people. This experience solidified his resolve to start a similar tradition in Des Moines if given the opportunity. “If I ever had the privilege of conducting an orchestra that didn’t have a 4th of July celebration, I was going to start one,” Giunta recounted.
Bringing Classical Music to the Masses
Giunta emphasized the importance of making classical music accessible and relatable. He described how the Des Moines Symphony has evolved from being perceived as “stuffy and arrogant” to becoming a beloved part of the community. “We’ve done a lot of things in this country to keep people away from classical music…we always remind people this is something for everyone,” he stated. His approach involves breaking down barriers and ensuring that every performance is inclusive and engaging.
The Yankee Doodle Pops concert features a mix of patriotic music, Broadway stars, opera singers, and even cannon fire during the 1812 Overture. This year’s event includes Hugh Panaro, renowned for his role in Phantom of the Opera, and Giunta’s wife, an opera singer, adding a personal touch to the performance. “It’s a patriotic concert…we salute the Armed Forces. This is something that is very important to us,” Giunta emphasized, highlighting the concert’s deep sense of community and national pride.
Nurturing Future Generations
Giunta passionately discussed the Des Moines Symphony Academy and its role in fostering musical education and creativity among young people. “We want to enhance what’s going on in the region…create an environment where they can learn and express themselves,” he explained. The Academy offers a safe and nurturing space for students to develop their musical talents and life skills, with programs ranging from individual lessons to youth orchestras.
Music education, according to Giunta, is crucial for brain development and creativity. “Music teaches us the creative part of it, being aware that you’re part of a team, that if you don’t prepare, you’re affecting somebody else,” he noted. This emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and creative thinking prepares students not only for musical endeavors but for various aspects of life.
Art as a Reflection of Humanity
Giunta likened music to great art, describing how each performance and interpretation brings new insights and emotions. “Great art…is what interests people. And once we get that going and they start thinking about it, they think, ‘Oh, now I’m starting to understand it a little bit,’” he said. This philosophy guides his teaching and conducting, encouraging both audiences and students to explore and appreciate the depth and beauty of music.
Reflecting on his nearly 50-year career, Giunta shared his continued passion for studying and understanding music. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t study three or four hours. The same exact questions that I have when I was in my twenties, I have today,” he revealed. This dedication to lifelong learning and growth is a testament to his commitment to the arts and education.
Maestro Joseph Giunta’s interview is a celebration of music, community, and the enduring legacy of Yankee Doodle Pops. As he invites Iowans to join the festivities at the Capitol Grounds, his message is clear: music is for everyone, and its power to unite and inspire is boundless.