Burlington Civic Music celebrates its 96th year of providing a series of outstanding and varied programs to entertain, enrich, and educate audiences from Southeast Iowa and Western Illinois. Opening its first concert October 1929, artists first appeared in churches and schools. With the newly opened Burlington Memorial Auditorium in 1939, BCM found its new home venue.

Incorporated as a 501(c)3 in March 1984, the now non-profit association continued its original mission to popularize good music in the community, further artistic advancement in the community, find funding to present great concerts to the community and ensure permanency in the concert series and it continued its series there through May 2025.

During eight decades, audiences have enjoyed live performances from world-class orchestras and ballet; top-rated vocal and instrumental ensembles; and lively music theater. BCM will continue this excellence in yet another renovated venue, the delightful and intimate Capitol Theater. Changed from its beginnings as one of Iowa’s iconic art deco movie theaters, it has become a popular performing arts center. BCM will begin its series there on September 26.

This 400-seat facility sits only blocks from the banks of the mighty Mississippi as it continues to roll in tune keeping live music on the river alive and well.