Innovative Projects – often involving new commissions and international exchanges – are the result of creative collaborations. Our favorite projects are documented here.

Metropolitan Museum of Art project – From Crystal to Gold

Rare flutes and guitars from the collection of musical instruments from the Metropolitan Museum of Art were played in concert at museums in New York and in Iowa. A compact disc recording was made titled Crystal to Gold and released by Fleur de Son Classics.

21st Century project – Artistic Celebration

Seven composers were commissioned to each write a three-minute work inspired by art from the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. View the visual art that inspired new music for flute and guitar.

Czech International Exchange project – From Starched Shirt Cuffs

Inspired by Dvorak's residency in Iowa, fifteen Iowa composers contributed variations to Spillville Variations on a Theme by Dvorak ­ the centerpiece of a cultural exchange with the Czech Republic.Collaborations were with the National Museum in Prague and the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

American Gothic project – Five Turner Alley

Grant Wood's masterpiece American Gothic was created at Five Turner Alley in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A new commission by Andrew Simpson celebrates the work. Project completed in collaboration with the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.