Historical Highlights
1991
- The Ensemble is established under the guidance of the late Professor James Cox
- DMVAE performs its first concert at the Beaverdale Estates on June 3, 1991
1997
- Eric Dale Knapp accepts the position of conductor and artistic director
- The Ensemble performs in the James Cox Memorial Scholarship Benefit Concert
1998
- DMVAE becomes a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization
1999
- The Ensemble participates in the Midwest premiere of Arvo Part’s “Litany”
2000
- Carol Stewart accepts the position of conductor and artistic director
2002
- The Ensemble performs for the 9/11 Anniversary Memorial in Des Moines
2003
- The Ensemble performs at the annual World Food Prize Symposium
- The Ensemble performs in the Des Moines Alliance Concert with guest conductor David Hill (St. John’s College in Cambridge, England)
2004
- The Ensemble performs at the North Central Convention of the American Choral Director’s Association
- The Ensemble performs at the World Food Prize Laureate Award Ceremony
2007
- The Ensemble collaborates with the choirs of Drake University under the direction of guest conductors Robert Sund (Orphei Drangar) and Sandra Snow (Michigan State University)
2008
- The Ensemble performs with guest conductor Ken Fleet (London Pro Musica) and West Des Moines Valley High School’s Valley Singers
- Dr. Timothy A. McMillin accepts the position of conductor and artistic director
2009
- The Ensemble performs a collaborative concert with the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus
2010
- The Ensemble performs at the Des Moines Metro Mixed Choir Festival
- The Ensemble collaborates with Valley Singers and guest conductor, Matthew D. Oltman (Chanticleer)
2011
- The ensemble participated in the world premiere of Heaven & Earth: A Mass on the Celtic Journey, written by Des Moines composer, Ben Allaway. The performance was recorded for future broadcast by Iowa Public Television.
- DMVAE performed with the Drake University Chamber Choir as part of the Catholic Diocese of Des Moines year-long centennial celebration in a concert featuring the Fauré Requiem and the premiere of Effortlessly, by David Dickau (Minnesota State).