Yankee Doodle Pops singer bringing love, peace, unity

DES MOINES, Iowa — It is Iowa’s single largest one-day concert and a must-see summer attraction for countless families across the state. The Des Moines Symphony is celebrating 30 years of Yankee Doodle Pops this year.

Music director and conductor Joseph Giunta and the winner of the “Oh Say Can You Sing,” competition Bethany Elle of Altoona stopped by Today in Iowa to speak about the 2024 event. Elle is originally from Indianapolis, Indiana but now resides in Altoona and will be singing the Star-Spangled Banner.

Another name attendees will be thrilled to see under Giunta’s production will be Hugh Panaro who played the Phantom in over 2,000 performances of “The Phantom of the Opera,” on Broadway.

The event is free to the public and takes place on the Iowa State Capitol West Terrace. Music begins at 6:30 pm with the main event at 8:30 pm.

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