The Quincy Symphony Orchestra proudly launches its 2025-26 season with an opening concert featuring George Gershwin’s beloved “An American in Paris.” The performance will take place on Sunday, Sept. 28 at 2:30 p.m. in Quincy Junior High’s Morrison Theater, marking the beginning of a season dedicated to bringing inspiring performances and timeless masterworks to the tri-state region.
The centerpiece of the evening, Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” captures the vibrancy of 1920s Paris through its lively rhythms, jazzy harmonies, and unforgettable charm. From the sounds of bustling boulevards to the elegance of café culture, the work is both a musical postcard and a celebration of the American spirit abroad.
The program also includes Gershwin’s “Piano Concerto” and Bernstein’s “Overture to Candide,” offering audiences a wide-ranging journey through iconic 20th-century American music. Under the baton of Bruce Briney, the orchestra will bring these works to life with the energy and artistry that have made QSO concerts a highlight of the region’s cultural calendar.
“We are thrilled to begin this season with a program that highlights the richness and vitality of American music,” said Executive Director Jane Polett. “An American in Paris remains as fresh and exciting today as when it first premiered, and we are eager to share that joy with our audience.”
Adding to the excitement, the program features internationally acclaimed pianist Thomas Lymenstull performing Gershwin’s dazzling Piano Concerto in F. Known for its jazz-inspired brilliance and virtuosic demands, the concerto is one of Gershwin’s most celebrated works, blending classical tradition with the unmistakable flair of the Jazz Age. Lymenstull’s artistry and global reputation promise an unforgettable performance. Quincy-native Lymenstull has performed throughout the US, in Japan, China, Vietnam, and throughout Europe. Until his retirement in 2024, he was Instructor of Piano at Interlochen Arts Academy.
The concert will open with Leonard Bernstein’s “Overture to Candide,” a whirlwind of wit, charm, and theatrical brilliance. Beloved by audiences for its lively pace and infectious energy, the overture sets the perfect tone for a vibrant afternoon concert.
Single ticket are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors 62 and older. Thanks to support from the Tracy Family Foundation, children 18 and under are admitted free to all concerts and are encouraged to attend. Tickets are available at HyVee, Sturhahn Jewelers, at QSOA.org, or at the door.
Gardner Denver is the concert sponsor, Alan & Mary Ellen Stiegemeier are the guest artist sponsor, Winters Insurance is the music sponsor, and the Herald-Whig is the media sponsor. The 2025-26 Season Sponsors are Quincy Recycle and The Knapheide Manufacturing Company. Information about this concert and all the programs offered by the Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association is available at qsoa.org or by calling 217-222-2856.
