FAIRFIELD, IOWA -- The Fairfield Arts and Convention Center's halls echoed with music from Mahler, Haydn and Mozart Sunday as Orchestra Iowa took to the stage.

Orchestra Iowa is one of the oldest symphony orchestras west of the Mississippi River.  With more than 80 professional musicians and over 100 public performances a year throughout Iowa, they are considered a treasure here in the Heartland.

KTVO spoke with Orchestra Iowa’s conductor, Maestro Timothy Hankewich. 

Maestro Hankewich’s love of music started off when he was a child.

“My parents were my influence.  Growing up, my parents would always take our family to see an opera or symphony at least once a year,” said Hankewich.

Hankewich described in detail the emotions one feels when conducting a symphony orchestra.

“As a conductor, you are both influencing what is happening and you are also reacting to what is happening.  It is a very interesting interplay of emotion,” said Hankewich.

Maestro Hankewich told KTVO that he is inspired by many conductors, both alive and deceased.  Many of the conductors are European, but one American stood out, Leonard Bernstein. 

KTVO asked Maestro Hankewich about one of Bernstein’s friends; American film composer and conductor John Williams.

“I think John Williams is a genius.  He is probably the most performed composer of this generation.  His incredible skill to write music, to bring the film and silver screen alive, is amazing.  I can tell you this, 100 years from now, he will be the most remembered American composer,” said Hankewich.

Orchestra Iowa performs throughout Iowa.  If you would like more information, click here.

The Fairfield Arts and Convention Center has many upcoming events.  If you would like more information, click here.