QSOA Announces New Season

MILESTONES

The 70th season of the Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association

The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association, led by award-winning conductor Dr. Bruce Briney, is preparing to celebrate its 70th anniversary season. MILESTONES, the 2017-2018 season of orchestral and chorus concerts, includes premiere performances along with well-known works that audiences love.

Awakenings opens the season on Sunday, Oct. 1. From the beautiful, yet complex Brahms “Symphony No. 1” to the topsy-turvy “Short Ride in a Fast Machine,” this concert juxtaposes legacy and innovation. Adding to the diversified theme, guest artist Emily Hart will join the orchestra for “Concerto for Oboe” by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Heroes & Heroines Family concert! on Saturday, Nov. 18 is a magical event for all ages.  Exciting music from Disney, the Chronicles of Narnia, Star Wars and other epic tales will thrill adults and children alike. Dress as your favorite superhero, princess or mythical character to fully immerse in the magical atmosphere.

The Symphony Chorus, conducted by Dr. Phyllis Robertson, will present On a starry night on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 2.  This choral celebration features Nativity carols including “Tomorrow Will Be My Dancing Day,” ”Gloria! Gloria!” and “All on a Starry Night.”  Full of sacred carols, flute, oboe and harp, this special presentation is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

Journey to the Land of the Midnight Sun with the symphony orchestra’s northern passages concert on Feb. 11, 2018. The orchestra demonstrates their exceptional talent with Sibelius’ “Symphony No. 1.” The concert will also feature winners of the Young Artists Competition. In its 63rd year, the competition is open to area 10th-12th grade musicians. A side-by-side performance of “Finlandia” with the Quincy Area Youth Orchestra will add even more energy to this winter concert.

The Emerald isle choral pops concert will be held Saturday, March 17.  Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with lively and lovely Irish music including the powerful “Letters from Ireland.”  This work draws on actual letters written from Ireland to America, and weaves them into a fabric of traditional Celtic melodies to create a suite that is a powerful testament to the first generations of Irish immigrants to America.  The Steve Rees Celtic Players will perform on traditional Irish instruments as special guests of the Chorus.

On March 16 the Symphony Orchestra will perform their 47th Young Peoples in-school concerts. The 11:30 a.m. performance is free and open to the public. These concerts introduce students to a new world of music through classical masterpieces. Children love experiencing live symphonic music in a setting just for them, but the 45-minute performances are enjoyable for grown-ups too!

The season concludes on April 21 with The Planets. A spectacular fusion of music and galactic images, this collaborative effort with Science & Symphony Films unites science and art in a beautiful way.  Our Milestone season finale concert will also feature “Sunrise Mass” performed by the Symphony Chorus, QU and JWCC choruses, and the Quincy Area Youth Chorus.  The evening opens with a brand new composition by Illinois composer Jacob Bancks.

Season tickets offer a great savings over single ticket prices. Season tickets are available now, and include all of the concerts described above, plus the concerts of the Quincy Area Youth Chorus and the Quincy Area Youth Orchestra. The price of a season ticket is $70 for adults and $60 for seniors. Watch the mail and our Facebook page for early ticket offers!  A special promotional offer allows first-time season ticket holders to get two season tickets for the price of one. Single tickets will be available throughout the season at the door, or in advance from Quincy HyVee stores, Sturhahn Jewelers and the QSOA website. Single ticket prices are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors. Children 18 and under are admitted free to all concerts and are encouraged to attend.

Season sponsors for MILESTONES are Blessing Hospital and The Knapheide Manufacturing Company. In-depth information, including program notes and soloist biographies, will be posted throughout the season on the QSOA website, www.qsoa.org and our Facebook page. Call 217-222-2856 for more details or a brochure.