Local music lovers have a special opportunity to experience the Quincy Symphony Orchestra & Chorus in their homes as the organization partners with WGEM-TV to broadcast five concerts this summer. The programs will air at 6 p.m. Saturdays, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, and Aug. 21.
Just like in a regular season, the organization presented six major concerts, however, due to audience size limitations, many patrons were not able to attend. The professional camera work by WGEM-TV allows viewers to not only hear this fine music but see the orchestra and chorus from new angles. The up-close and personal shots showcase many talented instrumentalists and vocalists within the ensembles.
The Quincy Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Dr. Bruce Briney. The Symphony Chorus is conducted by Dr. Phyllis Robertson.
Concert repertoire includes:
June 26 / Orchestra / Suites & Serenades: Ewald’s Brass Quintet No. 1, Holsts’ St. Paul’s Suite, and Mozart’s Serenade in E-flat.
July 3 / Orchestra / Simply Strings: 2021 Young Artist Winner Isabella Trinh performs Haydn’s Violin Concerto No. 2. The program also includes Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, Warlock’s Capriol Suite for String Orchestra , and Mozart’s Serenata notturna.
July 10 / Chorus / Sing for Joy: Amazing Grace, Mary Lynn Lightfoot’s Afternoon on a Hill, Ave Maria, How Can I Stop Singing My Song, and many other titles.
July 17 / Orchestra / New Beginnings: Haydyn’s Symphony in D Major, Britten’s Simple Symphony, and Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3.
Aug. 21 / Chorus / Pops: Medley from Les Misérables, My Guy, Steppin’ Out with My Baby, and many other songs.
The Christmas concert was broadcast in December and will not be included in the summer line-up.
Viewers within 70-miles of Quincy will be able to view the concerts. The broadcast will also be available on WGEM-FM radio. The concerts are a way to connect with symphony patrons and music lovers.
“We worked so hard to deliver a full season of concerts, and since we could not welcome full capacity live audiences, we created virtual events for the first time,” said QSOA General Manager Jane Polett. “WGEM has made it possible for us to offer this gift of music to the entire region. It’s a pleasure to share these musical moments with the community.”
The QSOA is grateful for WGEM’s support as well as season sponsors Knapheide Manufacturing, Blessing Health System, Illinois Arts Council Agency, and the community at large.
Though these events are free to the public, donations are needed and appreciated. To donate to the QSOA, visit www.qsoa.org/support-us/
