The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association opens their 66th concert season with True Grit at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13 in Quincy Junior High’s Morrison Theater. True Grit is the culminating event in the 2013 Quincy Public Library Big Read program featuring the novel of the same title. Led by conductor Bruce Briney, the orchestra will perform bold pieces that celebrate the human spirit.
Featured music includes Aaron Copland’s popular “Rodeo” and “Billy the Kid” suites which paint a musical picture of the American landscape.
The theme from “Magnificent Seven” is a nod to American westerns while Joan Tower’s “Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman” celebrates adventurous women who take risks—just like young Mattie Ross in True Grit.
Excerpts from Richard Wagner’s “The Ring” will be performed in a salute to the two hundredth anniversary of the composer’s birth. “Ride of the Valkyries” salutes the warrior-maidens of German mythology who transport heroes killed in battle to Valhalla, home of the gods, while “Siegfried’s Funeral March” casts a pall of disillusion as the hero meets his doom.
The orchestra’s musical adaptation of this American novel combines images of the great west with themes of adventure, betrayal and vengeance.
Tickets for the True Grit concert will be available at the door or in advance at the Quincy Public Library, Quincy Hy-Vee stores, Sturhahn Jewelers or the symphony office, 200 N. 8th. Individual concert tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for senior citizens. Children 18 and under are encouraged to attend with their families, and will be admitted free thanks in part to a grant from the Tracy Family Foundation.
Season tickets offer a great savings over single ticket prices. Season tickets are available now, and include 10 QSOA events at $60 for adults or $50 for seniors. A special promotional offer allows new season ticket holders to get two season tickets for the price of one if the ticket order is received before October 11.
The QSOA is very grateful for support from the corporate community. The Silver Baton Concert Sponsor for True Grit is the Quincy Herald-Whig with WGEM. All QSOA concerts are supported by Golden Baton Season Sponsors Knapheide Manufacturing Company and Blessing Health System. Partial support has been received from the Marion Gardner Jackson Charitable Trust and the Illinois Arts Council Agency through the National Endowment for the Arts.
Call 217-222-2856 or visit www.qsoa.org for more information on the music and performers, including program notes and biographies.
