Welcome to the Clinton Symphony Orchestra
The CSO has been a presence in the Clinton, Iowa, area since 1954 when a group of community leaders got together to form an organization to bring great music to the city and its environs. Now in its 68th year, the Orchestra draws patrons from a wide geographic area. Under the leadership of music director and conductor Brian Dollinger, the Orchestra has expanded its repertoire and performances to include soloists of note from our local communities and education systems. The Orchestra Association is proud of our commitment and hopes that you will share this love of great music with us.
Brian Dollinger
In 2021, Maestro Dollinger was re-appointed as Artistic Director & Conductor for the Hawaii-based Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra, the Music Director for the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Music Director of the Clinton Symphony Orchestra. He continues as the Music Director & Conductor for the Hawaii-based ballet company, West Hawaii Dance Theatre.
His charisma, energy, technical clarity, and deep musical passion continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike across the country.
The 2021-22 season is his 17th season as the Conductor and Music Director of the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra as well as celebrating his 14th season with the Clinton Symphony Orchestra as its Music Director & Conductor.
Whether on the concert stage performing masterworks or pops, or in the orchestra pit conducting opera and ballet, his personable approach combined with his clear conducting technique have come together to create a fun, inviting, energetic, and enriching atmosphere at each rehearsal and performance. He has conducted a variety of orchestras including the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra, Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, Marion Philharmonic Orchestra, Idaho Falls Symphony Orchestra, and Muncie Symphony Orchestra.
“There are many fine conductors in this country who really know what they’re doing and those who work extremely
well with artists and audiences.
There are only a few who excel at not only both of those skills but who also get their orchestras to play to their best abilities… Brian Dollinger hits the trifecta and his ebullient personality and warmth on stage are simply bonuses that come with the package.”
Steve March-Tormé, guest artist & entertainer
Mr. Dollinger served in the United States Marine Corps where he was a part of combat and support operations for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. During his time in the Marine Corps he also took part in numerous humanitarian joint task force missions to impoverished Central American countries.
He is the proud husband of fellow conductor, Rei Hotoda, and father to Arianna, Constantine, and Sophie-Ann. He may be contacted through his website, https://www.briandollinger.com/
Executive Director
Robert Whipple
Our Board of Directors
Stuart Lind, President
Lynn McGraw, Vice President
Karl Wolf, Secretary
Richard Sweet, Treasurer
Jean Buikema
Nancy Burgess
Joan Current
Nancy Malli
Greg Marston
Catherine Martin
Mary B. Paul
Melinda Putman
We are seeking new members for our Director and Friends of the Symphony Support Boards, please contact us!!