The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association Announces its
75th Anniversary Concert Season
The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association, led by Music Director Dr. Bruce Briney, is preparing to celebrate its 75th anniversary season. Events include orchestra, chorus, youth orchestra and youth chorus concerts from October through April. “This year we’ll revisit some of the finest symphonies from past seasons while simultaneously commissioning two new pieces,” Briney said. “It is a perfectly balanced season embracing both the musical gems of the past with exciting new experiences.”
Orchestra | Sun. Oct. 2, 2022| 3 pm | QJHS
The season begins a powerhouse selection of music. Concertmaster Kris Lowe shines as featured soloist on Vitali’s complex “Chaconne.” The orchestra also performs Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5,” a work that taps into raw emotion and the power of music. In a first of its kind, artist Jennifer Bock-Nelson creates a big-screen visual accompaniment to the orchestra’s performance of Thom Ritter George’s “Song of the Harp.” This piece, commissioned by the QSOA in 2014, honors the organization’s founder George Irwin. Bock-Nelson’s artwork perfectly accents this joyful music!
Chorus | Nov. 5, 2022 | 7:30 PM | Salem Church
The Symphony Chorus, conducted by Dr. Phyllis Robertson, performs the highly original “A Little Jazz Mass” by Bob Chilcott. This unique rendition embraces a variety of jazz styles throughout the mass. With a nod to Veterans Day the singers will also present “Tribute to Armed Services” by Lloyd Larsen.
Orchestra, Chorus, Youth Chorus | Dec. 3, 2022 | 3 PM |QJHS | Dallas Brass
Our spectacular holiday concert includes a variety of jolly songs and traditional carols. The Orchestra, Chorus, Youth Chorus and special guests The Dallas Brass come together for a glorious production of music and song. An audience favorite will be the winner of Encore’s “Battle for the Baton” contest conducting Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.” Audience members are asked to bring non-perishable items for The Crossing Food Pantry. This fun concert has become a Quincy tradition.
Orchestra, Youth Orchestra | Feb. 19, 2023 | 3 PM |QJHS | Young Artists Concert
The Quincy Symphony performs Dvořák’s exhilarating “Symphony No. 8.” Full of darkness and sunshine, sadness and joy, Dvořák’s symphony was chosen for the season by the musicians of the QSO, and is nostalgic for the organization. As a guest conductor in 2005, Bruce Briney selected this beloved work as part of the program. The concert turned out to be Briney’s inaugural concert, a prelude to many wonderful seasons at the helm of the orchestra. In another first, the QSOA has commissioned Illinois composer William Camphouse to write music for the youth orchestra, which will premiere this new work side-by-side with the QSO under the direction of QAYO conductor, Dr. Richard Cangro. The concert will also feature winners of the Young Artists Competition. In its 64th year, the competition is open to area 10th-12th grade musicians.
Chorus | March 4, 2023 | 7:30 PM |Salem Church | Pops of Color
The spring choral concert is bursting with pops of color! Song selections include “Blue Skies,” “The Pink Panther,” “Orange-Colored Sky,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Blackbird” and “White Winter Hymnal.” Featuring a variety of genres, there is something for everyone at this event.
Orchestra | March 24, 2023 | 11:45 AM |QJHS | Young People’s Concerts
The Symphony Orchestra performs Movie Magic at their 52nd Young Peoples in-school concerts. The 11:45am performance is free and open to the public. These concerts introduce students to a new world of music through classical masterpieces and symphonic pops. Children love experiencing live music in a setting just for them, but the 45-minute performances are enjoyable for grown-ups too!
Orchestra | April 22, 2023 | 7:30 PM |QJHS
The QSOA has been at the forefront of championing new music. That innovation continues with Roger Zare’s new overture commemorating the organization’s 75th Anniversary. St. Louis pianist Brian Woods joins the orchestra for Rachmaninov’s dazzling “Second Piano Concerto.” The season concludes with the gorgeous “Pines of Rome” featuring triumphant brass in true surround sound!
QSOA season tickets include all concerts listed above and offer great savings over single ticket prices. The price of a season ticket is $70 for adults and $60 for seniors. A special promotion offers 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, County Market, Sturhahn Jewelers, and the QSOA website. Single ticket prices are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors. Thanks to support from the Community Foundation and the Tracy Family Foundation, children 18 and under are admitted free to all concerts and are encouraged to attend.
The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association will follow all Covid-19 guidelines as stipulated by the performance venues and the Centers for Disease Control. Face coverings may be required for concert attendance.
The 2022-23 Season Sponsors 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 on Facebook. Call 217-222-2856 for more details or a brochure.
