Des Moines Symphony offering free concert tickets to furloughed federal employees

The Des Moines Symphony looks to give back to those impacted by the longest federal government shutdown in United States history as it continues into day 26. 

Symphony leadership plans to offer free tickets to upcoming Masterworks concerts to furloughed federal employees, the organization said Thursday in a news release. Each furloughed federal worker can receive two tickets to the following performances: 

• Feb. 16-17: Masterworks 4 - Nelson Conducts Bernstein 
• March 16-17: Masterworks 5 - Ellis Island/The New World March 
• April 27-28: Masterworks 6 - Simon Sings Porgy & Bess 
• May 18-19: Masterworks 7 and season finale - West Side Story 

More:The next Des Moines Symphony season is celebrating an American favorite

“Great music has the power to inspire, reduce stress and ease burdens,” symphony Maestro Joseph Giunta said in the release. “The Des Moines Symphony believes everyone should have the opportunity to experience this art form, and we invite federal employees to join us as our guests.”

Tickets must be reserved in-person at the Civic Center box office (221 Walnut St.) by March 1. 

More:As government shutdown continues, Iowans forced to make adjustments

As a stalemate between Congress and President Donald Trump on border wall funding continues, 420,000 government employees across the country work without pay, with an additional 380,000 on furlough.

At least 127 federal employees in Iowa have submitted an initial claim for unemployment benefits since the shutdown began, the Register reports.

Find more information on Des Moines Symphony tickets at dmsymphony.org. 

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