David Lang’s “the wealth of nations,” written for the 250th anniversary of the United States, premiered at the NY Philharmonic on March 20. A Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, Lang is a 1980 Composition grad from the University of Iowa School of Music.

University of Iowa student musicians Antonio Ferraro and Kian Hyatt are quoted in the article. The concert was attended by approximately 1,400 local eighth graders, mostly from North Central Middle School, Northwest Middle School, and Southeast Middle School.

Hancher Auditorium has been named to Billboard magazine’s 2026 Top Music Venues list, placing it in company with massive stadiums and famous theaters across the country and around the world.

As a biology major and chemistry minor on the pre-med track, Tyler Draayer, a lifelong violinist, brings this same level of focus to his Iowa musical performances. In spite of his jam-packed schedule, he still finds time to perform with the Campus Symphony Orchestra, finding it “relaxing and therapeutic.”

Free Week returns for its second year from February 16 – 22, 2026, transforming Downtown Iowa City’s Cultural & Entertainment District into a weeklong celebration of creativity, community, and connection.