The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association, led by Music Director Dr. Bruce Briney, invites the community to recharge, relax, and reconnect through the transformative power of music. Triumph of the Spirit, the 2025-26 series of concerts, offers uplifting performances that celebrate resilience, hope, and the shared human experience. From dramatic symphonies to soul-stirring choral works, this season promises moments of reflection, joy, and renewed connection for audiences of all ages.
The new season begins with a fan-favorite:
Sun. Sept. 28 | 2:30 PM |QJHS | An American in Paris
George Gershwin’s An American in Paris is a vibrant orchestral piece that blends classical structure with jazz influences, capturing the spirit and energy of 1920s Paris through the eyes of an American visitor. It features playful rhythms, bluesy melodies, and even car horns, painting a lively portrait of the city’s bustling streets and romantic charm.
Guest pianist Thomas Lymenstull will join the orchestra for Gershwin’s Piano Concerto, which showcases the composer’s signature blend of sophistication and American flair. Quincy-native Lymenstull has performed throughout the US, in Japan, China, and Europe. Until his retirement in 2024, he was Instructor of Piano at Interlochen Arts Academy.
The concert will also include Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to Candide–a dazzling, fast-paced orchestral work bursting with wit, energy, and theatrical flair.
Sat. Nov. 15, 2025 | 7:30 PM |QJHS | Radiance & Reform
Mendelssohn’s Reformation Symphony (No. 5) is a deeply spiritual and majestic work that weaves together solemn themes, including the Dresden Amen and Martin Luther’s chorale A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, building to a triumphant and reverent finale.
Principal Flute Rose Bishop performs Timothy Hagen’s fresh Concerto for Flute. Hagen, Principal Flute of the Dubuque Symphony, composed and debuted the piece in February. The flute soloist is accompanied by strings, harp, and percussion. Hagen says he wrote it as a “love letter to the flute community.”
Johannes Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture adds a fun touch. It’s a jubilant work that blends student drinking songs with classical sophistication, and was written as a humorous thank-you for an honorary degree.
Sat. Dec. 6, 2025 | 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM |Salem Church | Heaven’s Light
The Symphony Chorus, conducted by Dr. Phyllis Robertson, celebrates the warmth and wonder of the season with glowing candlelight and a joyful selection of holiday music. The program features Daniel Pinkham’s vibrant Christmas Cantata alongside beloved carols like Angels from the Realms of Glory and many others. The addition of a hand bell choir adds sparkle and charm, while the soft flicker of candlelight creates a magical atmosphere, inviting audiences to celebrate the joy of Christmas. Ticket holders are invited to choose the performance that best suits their schedules: afternoon or evening. Everyone is asked to bring non-perishable items to benefit local food pantries. The QSO Season Artist Michele Guzman will show and sell her work, perfect for holiday gift-giving.
Sat. Feb. 7, 2026 | 2:30 PM |QJHS | Heroic Vision
The symphony orchestra celebrates the triumph of the human spirit through music and film scores that have inspired audiences for generations! Vangelis’ Chariots of Fire theme and John Williams’ Summon the Heroes capture the determination and grace of Olympic athletes. Trevor Rabin’s Remember the Titans evokes unity in the face of adversity. Jerry Goldsmith’s Hoosiers Suite is a stirring tribute to underdog courage, while Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings is a haunting tribute melody. Winner(s) of the 71st Annual Martha McCrory Young Artists Competition will perform as soloists with the orchestra. Attendees are invited to wear their favorite team jerseys to the concert.
Fri. March 13 | 11:30 AM |Baldwin School | Young People’s Concerts
The 55th Young People’s in-school concerts demonstrate The Amazing Symphony Orchestra. This creative work by Ervin Monroe uses lively narration and vivid musical passages to highlight each instrument family. Their unique sounds in well-known orchestral works illustrate how music can affect our emotions, inspire our imaginations, or simply make us want to dance. Both students and adults will enjoy this concert conducted by Dr. Bruce Briney. The 11:30 a.m. performance is free and open to the public—and at about 45 minutes, it’s perfect for a lunch break.
Sat. March 14 | 7:30 PM |Salem Church | Dream a Little Dream
The spring choral pops concert weaves together a dozen iconic songs that capture the power of dreams to inspire and uplift. From the nostalgic yearning of California Dreamin’, the soaring ambition of The Impossible Dream, the wide-eyed wonder of A Million Dreams to the poignant reflection of I Dreamed a Dream, this heartfelt journey showcases the many ways we chase and hold onto our dreams. Featuring a variety of genres, there is something for everyone at this event.
Sat. April 19, 2026 | 2:30 PM |QJHS | Triumph of the Spirit
This powerful concert unites orchestra and a mass choir in a compelling program that explores resilience, faith, and the human spirit. Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms shines with lyrical beauty, blending Hebrew texts with lush harmonies and hopeful energy. In striking contrast, Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 delivers a gripping journey from despair to defiant triumph in an emotionally charged performance. The orchestra also debuts a newly commissioned overture by St. Louis composer Stephanie Berg. Together, these works create an unforgettable concert of musical depth and expression.
QSOA season tickets include all concerts listed above and offer great savings over single ticket prices. Season tickets for adults are $70 and seniors 62 and older are $60. A special 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. Thanks to support from the Tracy Family Foundation, children 18 and under are admitted free to all concerts and are encouraged to attend.
The 2025-26 Season Sponsors are Quincy Recycle 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. Call 217-222-2856 for more details or a brochure.
