Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
PALMER, Nicholas
PALMER, Nicholas. (Hingham, MA- ). Symphony director. In 1986 Palmer was selected as the music director and conductor of the DUBUQUE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. The second person to hold this position, succeeding Parvis MAHMOUD, Palmer brought to Dubuque a distinguished resume of accomplishments.
Accepted at Harvard, Palmer conducted the Harvard Wind Ensemble and the Bach Society Orchestra. He founded the Lowell House Orchestra and was twice the soloist with the Harvard Band. Palmer spent a year at the Juilliard School of Music in New York and earned a master's degree in conducting at the New England Conservatory.
Palmer founded the Florida Contemporary Ensemble and served as the musical director of several orchestras. With the start of the 1986-1987 season in Dubuque, the number of performances and size of the audience more than doubled. Performances received many standing ovations and very positive critical reviews. He was succeeded as the symphony conductor by William INTRILLIGATOR.