ADVANCE July 2025

JULY’S BEST

THE DES MOINES SYMPHONY’S YANKEE DOODLE POPS The Des Moines Symphony’s Yankee Doodle Pops is back! This year’s event begins with The Star Spangled Banner sung by the winner of the symphony’s annual Oh Say, Can You Sing? competition. Then, Music Director and Conductor Joseph Giunta will lead the symphony in patriotic favorites, and Emmy Award-winning guest vocalist Matthew Johnson will join the orchestra for pop tunes by Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder and more!

The Des Moines Symphony’s Yankee Doodle Pops airs live July 3 at 8:30 p.m.

RENAISSANCE: THE BLOOD AND THE BEAUTY

Italy at the end of the 15th century was a place of extreme turbulence, betrayal, bloodshed and political upheaval. How and why did such unparalleled creativity flourish under these conditions? This series explores the lives of three of the greatest artists in history—Michelangelo, Leonardo and Raphael—as they navigate a deadly snakes-and ladders world of changing powerbrokers, violent warfare and intense personal rivalry.

Renaissance: The Blood and the Beauty debuts July 8 at 8 p.m.

RETURN OF THE TRUMPETERS The majestic trumpeter swan, North America’s largest waterfowl, was once hunted to the brink of extinction. Thanks to the remarkable efforts of a new generation, this iconic species is making a comeback. Experience one of the greatest conservation success stories of our time.

Return of the Trumpeters airs July 9 at 9 p.m.

THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE The competition returns to Nashville with eight talented home cooks showcasing their signature recipes each week. After eight weeks of cherished recipes and heartfelt stories, one home cook will be crowned the winner of The Great American Recipe!

Season 4 of The Great American Recipe premieres July 14 at 8 p.m.

JULY 2025 | ADVANCE 3