Dordt University to take ownership of Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra

For many decades, Dordt University has held a partnership with Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra (NISO). Now that partnership will be taken a step further, as Dordt has agreed to take ownership of the symphony orchestra.

The transition will formally take place after the conclusion of the spring 2025 NISO season, with more details to be made available later in the spring.

“NISO is a wonderful addition to our community,” says Dr. Leah Zuidema, vice president of academic affairs at Dordt. “We often hear from incoming faculty and staff as well as donors about how impressive it is that Sioux Center has a community symphony orchestra. We also hear from musicians about how much they value NISO as a space for artistic collaboration, a platform to perform challenging and inspiring repertoire, and a vital cultural resource for Northwest Iowa and beyond.”

In recent years, NISO has faced some significant financial challenges. In agreeing to take on ownership for NISO, Dordt University officials anticipate that the local and campus communities can continue to look forward to enjoying excellent concerts that NISO offers.

Over the years, Dordt University has provided concrete and significant support to NISO, including a music library, instruments, a concert venue, and executive director. “Dordt’s commitment to the ensemble is longstanding, and we are thankful that this partnership can expand and strengthen, ensuring NISO’s good work will continue,” says NISO Board of Directors in a communication made to NISO musicians.

The ensemble draws musicians from surrounding communities including Sioux Center, Hull, Orange City, Rock Valley, Sioux Falls, Sioux City, Storm Lake, Rock Rapids, Vermillion, and beyond. It includes adults of all ages as well as gifted music students from area high schools and colleges.

More than 25 students from Dordt’s music program are members of the orchestra, and several members of the Dordt University music faculty perform as teaching principals in the orchestra. All concerts are performed in the B.J. Haan Auditorium, located on Dordt’s campus.

“There is a good balance of musicians in the orchestra from our community and from Dordt University, and Dordt is pleased to support this important ensemble and the value that it adds to our community,” says Zuidema. “We are eager to host concerts in the coming year; meanwhile, we hope concertgoers enjoy Brahm’s Requiem on April 15.”

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.