“Northern Passages” Concert features Outstanding Young Musician

The Quincy Symphony Orchestra takes their audience on a journey to the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’ during their “Northern Passages” concert on Feb. 11. Selections include Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’ mystic “Symphony No. 1” as well as the ballad to his homeland, “Finlandia,” and the beautiful “Lyric Suite” by Norwegian Edvard Grieg.

This concert continues the QSO’s long-established tradition by featuring the winner of the Young Artist Competition, Eddie Binosi. In its 63rd year, the Young Artists competition provides outstanding high school musicians the opportunity to perform as a concert soloist, accompanied by a symphony orchestra. Such a performance can be a springboard for a young person to choose a lifelong commitment to the arts. Both the orchestra and soloist are under the baton of Music Director Bruce Briney.

Mr. Binosi, a junior at Quincy Senior High, will perform the first movement of “Violin Concerto in C Major” by Dmitry Kabalevsky. He is the son of Callie Binosi of Quincy and Carlo Binosi of Chicago. Eddie is the violin student of Robin Walden and has studied with her for 11 years. He has played in the Quincy Area Youth Orchestra for six seasons and is currently concertmaster. He also is a member of the Quincy Symphony Orchestra and the Quincy Senior High Concert Orchestra. This is Eddie’s second year to qualify to participate in the ILMEA All-State Music Festival. As a member of the Quincy Marching Blue Devil’s Frontline, Eddie played marching bells and synthesizer for the first time this year. Eddie studies piano with Larry Finley. He has played on the Quincy High School tennis team since his freshmen year. Eddie hopes to attend Interlochen Center for the Arts Orchestra camp over the summer.

The Quincy Area Youth Orchestra will join the QSO for their performance of “Finlandia.”  QAYO Conductor Dr. Rich Cangro will direct the joint orchestras for this rousing music.

“Northern Passages” will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 at Quincy Junior High. Tickets will be available at the door or may be purchased in advance from the Symphony office at 200 N. 8th, at County Market, Quincy Hy-Vee, or from Sturhahn Jewelers. The cost is $18 for adults and $15 for seniors. Thanks in part to support from the Tracy Family Foundation and the Community Foundation, children 18 and under are admitted free to all QSO concerts, and are encouraged to attend.

The performance is made possible in part by a grant from Ameren Illinois, Media Sponsor Spectrum Reach and Concert Sponsor Quincy Recycle. The Milestones season sponsors are Blessing Health System and Knapheide Manufacturing Company.

QSOA will sell tickets for their annual fundraising raffle at the concert and appreciates support from the community. Raffle tickets are $10 each or 12/$100, and are also available from any chorus, orchestra, Encore! or board member. The $1,000 grand prize drawing will be held at “The Planets” Finale Concert on April 21. Buy tickets early to also be included in the Early Bird drawing for $250 cash. The winner need not be present. Raffle proceeds support the many programs of the Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association, including the youth orchestra, youth choirs and concerts for children. Visit www.qsoa.org or call QSOA at 222-2856 for more information.