The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association, directed by Dr. Bruce Briney, announced programming for SCENIC JOURNEYS, the organization’s 77th concert season. “This year we link the spirit of new and old,” Briney said. “The timeless elegance of classical compositions intertwines with innovative, contemporary melodies.” This symphonic fusion paints a vivid picture of landscapes where sound stretches beyond the horizon of imagination.
Orchestra | Sun. Sept. 29, 2024 | 2:30 PM |QJHS | Natural Wonders
The QSO opens the season with Natural Wonders. Acclaimed violinist Alex Malaimare is featured in The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan-Williams. Consistently ranked by music lovers as one of their favorite pieces, The Lark Ascending is a flight of fancy that stirs the hearts of all who listen, painting a lyrical portrait of freedom and transcendence against the backdrop of the orchestra’s embrace.
The orchestra also performs Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” by Antonin Dvořák. This work represents Dvořák’s attempt to create a distinctly American musical language while incorporating his Czech heritage. It remains one of his most popular and enduring works, celebrated for its rich melodies, evocative themes, and masterful orchestration.
Chorus | Sat. Nov. 16 | 2:30 PM | Salem Church | Music With Meaning
Dr. Phyllis Robertson directs the Symphony Chorus performance of carefully curated songs which resonate with the hearts and minds of the audience. The concert commemorates the 200th anniversary of Ode to Joy, Beethoven’s testament to the power of music to uplift the spirit and draw worshippers closer to the divine through joyful praise and adoration. Kyle Pederson’s masterwork A Vision Unfolding elicits powerful declarations of a nation rooted in equality, freedom, and justice while seeking to build bridges of care and connection.
Orchestra, Chorus, Youth Chorus | Fri. Dec. 6 | 7:30 PM |QJHS | Holiday Spectacular
Our holly-jolly Christmas concert resonates with seasonal favorites and fun surprises while the grand sing-along creates an atmosphere of togetherness and nostalgia. The winner of Encore’s “Battle for the Baton” contest conducts Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride. Audience members are asked to bring non-perishable items for Horizons Food Pantry. This fun concert is a cherished tradition that brings together all ages in a celebration of music and holiday spirit!
Orchestra, Youth Orchestra | Sat. Feb. 8, 2025 | 2:30 PM |QJHS | Adventures & Explorations
Acclaimed cimbalom master Alex Udvary joins the orchestra for the Háry János Suite. Celebrated for its evocative storytelling through music, the Hungarian folk piece is beloved by orchestras worldwide. This adventurous concert also includes La Cueva del Milodón, an homage to the Chilean natural monument by Western Illinois University’s John Mindeman.
The Quincy Area Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Richard Cangro joins the QSO for a side-by-side performance of Danza del Sol. The concert will also feature winners of the Young Artists Competition. In its 70th year, the competition is open to area 10th-12th grade musicians.
Chorus | Sat. March 15 | 7:30 PM |Salem Church | Celebrate Broadway!
The spring choral pops concert is full of favorite Broadway hits! The chorus performs music from Newsies, Hamilton, Wicked, Footloose, Jersey Boys, Come From Away, and many others. Featuring a variety of genres and the Salem Handbell Choir, there is something for everyone at this event.
Orchestra | Fri, March 21 | 11:45 AM |QJHS | Young People’s Concerts
In collaboration with the Quincy Public Schools and the Quincy Community Theater, the Symphony Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky Discovers America at their 54th Young Peoples in-school concerts. Presented with live actors in front of the orchestra, this Classical Kids work follows the famed Russian composer, and Jennie, a young American girl, as Tchaikovsky first visits America for the grand opening of Carnegie Hall. 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! The 11:45 am performance is free and open to the public.
Orchestra | Sat., April 12 | 2:30 PM |QJHS | American Horizons
American Horizons is a salute to American composers, including regional composers Jeremy Beck, James Romig, and Randal Faust, and the incomparable Aaron Copland. Beck’s “Majestic River” was composed for the QSO’s 60th Anniversary celebration in 2007. We continue our commitment to the production of new music with the premiere of our commission by James Romig, Western Illinois University. St. Louis Symphony Principal Horn Thomas Jöstlein performs Faust’s Concerto for Horn, newly re-scored for horn and orchestra. Music by Copland includes selections from The Tender Land Suite with gorgeous photos showcasing the beauty and nostalgia of our area from Quincy’s Toni Taylor/Tiger Imagery, and selections from Rodeo, including the famous Hoe Down.
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 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 2024-25 Season Sponsor is 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.
