The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association, led by Music Director Dr. Bruce Briney, will welcome audiences to a new season of orchestral and chorus concerts beginning in September. The 74th season includes premiere performances, classic masterpieces, and well-known works that audiences love. Except for the March choral concert, all series concerts are held in Morrison Theater at Quincy Junior High School.
Sept. 26, 2021 | 3 PM |QJHS | Ansel Adams: America
The concert season begins with the visually stunning photography of Ansel Adams meshed with music by Dave and Chris Brubeck. The Symphony Orchestra continues highlighting the vitality of America with William Grant Still’s “Afro-American Symphony.”
Nov. 20, 2021 | 7:30 PM |QJHS | 20th Century Gems
The Symphony Orchestra performs modern era suites from Stravinsky and Faure and debuts a new commission by Illinois composer Stephen Taylor. Audiences will recognize the “Mack the Knife” in Weill’s snazzy suite from “The Threepenny Opera.”
Dec. 4, 2021 | 3 PM |QJHS | Joyful & Triumphant
The Symphony Chorus, conducted by Dr. Phyllis Robertson, celebrates the holidays with joyful songs and sacred carols. The Quincy Area Youth Chorus joins the adults for a glorious performance. Full of beautiful holiday music, this presentation is sure to be a seasonal highlight.
Feb. 13, 2022 | 3 PM |QJHS | Young Artists Concert
The symphony orchestra commemorates Black History Month with “There Are No Words” written by Illinois composer James Stephenson in response to the 2015 mass shooting at a church in Charleston, S.C. The concert will also feature winners of the Young Artists Competition. In its 67th year, the competition is open to area 10th-12th grade musicians. A side-by-side performance of Florence Price’s “Dances in the Canebrakes” with the Quincy Area Youth Orchestra will lend an element of optimistic joy to this event.
March 5, 2022 | 7:30 PM |Salem Church | Sun, Moon & Stars
The spring choral pops concert has a celestial theme, featuring “Moon River,” “Here Comes the Sun,” “Starry, Starry Night,” and many other favorites. Featuring a variety of genres, there is something for everyone at this event.
March 25, 2022 | 11:45 AM |QJHS | Young People’s Concerts
The Symphony Orchestra performs “THE THRILL OF THE ORCHESTRA,” their 51st 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!
April 10, 2022 | 3 PM |QJHS | Natural Wonders
This special event honors QSO founder George Irwin. The always brilliant Beethoven strikes an idyllic chord with “Symphony No. 6”, also known as the “Pastoral Symphony”. The Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Chorus, and Youth Chorus unite with the QU and JWCC choirs to present Dvorak’s masterwork “Te Deum”. The concert opens with our second commissioned premiere of the season, a new work by Illinois composer Randall E. Faust.
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 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, 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 Adams County Health Department. Face coverings may be required for concert attendance.
The 2021-22 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 our Facebook page. Call 217-222-2856 for more details or a brochure.
