Davenport, IA-Quad City Symphony Orchestra is proud to announce the appointment of Benjamin Klemme as its new Assistant Conductor, Community Engagement Coordinator and Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles Music Director. This newly created position will serve as the QCSYEs' artistic liaison with community groups and educational institutions and will work to further the mission of the QCSO and QCSYEs. "The QCSO Board of Trustees Education Committee is very pleased to welcome Benjamin Klemme as our Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles Music Director and Community Engagement Coordinator. Ben is uniquely qualified to fulfill these duties. He is a native of the Quad Cities, a graduate of the Quad Cities Youth Orchestra, and, in addition to his excellent conducting skills, he has very valuable experience collaborating with educational systems to provide students with the best musical experience possible," said Education Committee Chair Jacqueline O'Donnell. "We know Ben will move our education programs up to a new level and we look forward to working with him."

Benjamin Klemme has his Doctor of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Minnesota where he conducts the University's Campus Orchestras and is an Assistant Conductor of the Opera Theatre. He also serves the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies as Concert Orchestra Conductor and MacPhail Center for Music as Chamber Orchestra Conductor. Klemme's previous conducting posts include Assistant Conductor of the National Repertory Orchestra, Assistant Conductor of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, and Music Director of the Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association. He has guest conducted the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, National Repertory Orchestra, Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra, Cleveland Institute of Music New Music Ensemble, Cedar Valley Chamber Music Festival, Oskaloosa Chamber Music Festival, and the University of Minnesota Summer Orchestra. Klemme received his Master of Music degree in Orchestral Conducting from the Cleveland Institute of Music and his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Northern Iowa. His principal conducting teachers include Mark Russell Smith, Carl Topilow, Louis Lane, Rebecca Burkhardt and Ronald Johnson.

Dedicated to finding innovative ways to employ his commitment to music education, Benjamin Klemme actively works to develop partnerships with schools and performers in his community to go beyond his work on the podium. In New Mexico, he helped bring classical music to life for young people through his work with the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival's "Music In Our Schools" program, and was the founding music department chair at New Mexico School for the Arts; in Ohio he conducted the Scordatura Chamber Orchestra-a Cleveland-based ensemble designed to achieve classroom learning objectives in language arts, math, science, and social studies through the creative presentation of parallel classical music principles; in Iowa he served as the associate conductor of the Northern Iowa Youth Orchestra.

Klemme is a former Quad City resident and was himself a member of the Quad City Symphony Youth Orchestra. Klemme returns to the Quad Cities from the Twin Cities with his wife, violinist Deborah Coltvet Klemme, and two sons.

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra is also proud to announce Stephen D. Mohr as its new Director of Development. Mr. Mohr most recently served as Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at the Figge Art Museum. He is also on the Board of the Association of Professional Fundraisers where he holds the office of Treasurer and also writes regularly for their quarterly newsletter. Mr. Mohr is taking the place of Paul Plagenz who recently accepted a position as Director of Development for the Western Illinois University-Quad Cities campus.

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Davenport, IA-The Quad City Symphony Orchestra is set to finish with possibly one of the grandest season finales possible with Mahler's Symphony No. 3. Mahler himself described his Third Symphony as being "...of such magnitude that it actually mirrors the whole world." This will be the QCSO premiere of Mahler's Third Symphony, which requires a massive orchestra, a women's choir, a children's choir, and a mezzo-soprano soloist. Filling these roles will be the Quad City Symphony Youth Choir led by Mary Tallitsch in their Masterworks debut, as well as a women's choir led by Jon Hurty and comprised of members from Quad City Choral Arts, the Augustana Choir, the Handel Oratorio Society, the Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble, and the Pleasant Valley High School Women's Choir. The Quad City Symphony Orchestra will also be joined by Mezzo-Soprano Adriana Zabala. The concert will be performed on April 5 and 6. Saturday evening's concert is at the Adler Theatre in Davenport at 7:30 p.m., and followed on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at Centennial Hall in Rock Island. This concert is sponsored by Trissel Graham & Toole, a division of Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc.

The unique power and appeal of Gustav Mahler's music comes from many things, but chief among them is Mahler's ability to combine elements of common everyday life with the most sublime and transfigured personal statements. It is this remarkable contradiction that makes Mahler such an enigma and such a fascinating musical personality. His own personal strengths, weaknesses, and demons all found expression in his music and offer listeners extraordinary insight into the man, and also the universal human condition. For the Third Symphony Mahler envisioned capturing Nature in its totality in his music. This is Nature in a pantheistic sense, one that celebrates the emergence of summer out of winter and examines what one can learn from meadow flowers, from forest creatures, from the night, from angels, and from spiritual love. With these broad categories defined, Mahler set about composing six movements to explore each of these areas. Along the way the symphony's performing forces grew to encompass an expanded orchestra, solo alto voice, and both women's and children's choruses. Although he completed the symphony in 1896, the work waited until June 1902 to receive its first performance, a highly successful presentation in the German city of Krefeld with Mahler conducting. With the success of his Third Symphony, Mahler soon set out on a conducting tour, performing the Third as part of concert presentations in Heidelberg, Mannheim, Prague, Cologne, and Leipzig. Yet today, the Third is infrequently performed, chiefly because of its sizable production requirements.

On Friday, April 4, Music Director Mark Russell Smith will lead Inside the Music, this time at the Quad City Botanical Center in Rock Island at 12:00 noon. This luncheon is hosted by Volunteers for Symphony. Inside the Music is a great place to grab a bite to eat for lunch and get the inside scoop on the upcoming performances. This is also a great opportunity for music lovers throughout the Quad Cities to meet the guest artists in person. The luncheon is just $15 and reservations can be made at www.qcsymphony.com or by calling 563.322.QCSO (7276).

Also on Friday, students are invited to sit in on a dress rehearsal and get the inside perspective through Students@Symphony. During a break in the rehearsal, the students will have an opportunity to meet Mark Russell Smith, as well as mezzo-soprano Adriana Zabala. This program is open to any secondary or elementary student and supervising adults. Students should arrive at 7:30 p.m. and pre-register online at

Smith and Zabala will also be available during Concert Conversations, held in the concert hall an hour before each of the weekend's concerts. At Concert Conversations the audience is given a quick overview of the program they are about to experience. This look into the background of the concert's repertoire is led by Kai Swanson and has become and audience favorite.

Finally, after the Saturday night performance, the entire audience is invited to mingle with the guest artists and many of the musicians of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra in the lobby of the Hotel Blackhawk at Afterglow. The evening includes free hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and always remarkable repartee.

 

EVENT LISTING

 

Inside the Music Luncheon

Friday, April 4, at 12:00 noon

Reservations: $15

Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)

Quad City Botanical Center, Rock Island

 

Students@Symphony

Friday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m.

Registration: FREE

Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)

Adler Theatre, Davenport

 

Concert Conversations

Saturday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m.

Adler Theatre, Davenport

Sponsored by Rich James, Wells Fargo Financial Advisors

 

Masterworks VI

Saturday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $10-$55

Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)

Adler Theatre, Davenport

Sponsored by Trissel Graham & Toole, a division of Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc.

 

Afterglow

Saturday, April 5, immediately following the concert

Hotel Blackhawk, adjacent to the Adler Theatre/RiverCenter

 

Concert Conversations

Sunday, April 6, at 1:00 p.m.

Centennial Hall, Rock Island

Sponsored by Rich James, Wells Fargo Financial Advisors

 

Masterworks VI

Sunday, April 6, at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets: $10-$40

Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)

Centennial Hall, Rock Island

Sponsored by Trissel Graham & Toole, a division of Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc.

 

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Rock Island, IL - Christian Care is holding its fourth annual Trivia Night, hosted by Mr. Trivia himself! The event will take place at The Rock in Coal Valley on Saturday, April 12, 2014. Doors will open at 5:00 PM and the games will begin at 6:00 PM. The cost is $10 per person or $80 per team. The event will include raffle items, 50/50, mulligans and more! Cash Bar will be available, as well as delicious baked goods from the ladies of Grace Evangelical Free Church. Team members are also welcome to bring their own snacks. Tables are filling up fast, so call to make your reservation for individual or team seating; contact Mary Maland at 309/792-4102 or email her at cc.mary10@gmail.com. All proceeds raised from Trivia Night will help Christian Care continue to provide services in the Quad Cities to a growing number of homeless men and abused women and children.

Christian Care is transforming the lives of homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and the mentally ill. Their two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men?provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, referrals and guidance to those in need. Christian Care's services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the goal of nourishing the bodies, minds, hearts and souls of the men, women and children who come seeking a new way of life. Help Christian Care help others; donate now. Call Lindsey at 309/786-5734 for more information. If you know someone in need, call the Christian Care Crisis Hotline at any hour of the day or night at 309/788-2273.

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A Trivia Night Fundraiser to Benefit QCI is

Friday, April 4th

All Saints Lutheran Church

5002 Jersey Ridge Road Davenport, Iowa  

$10.00 a person or $80.00 for a table of 8.  

Mulligans, Basket Raffles, 50/50 Raffle. Bring your own food and drinks (Please, no alcohol.)

To reserve your table, or for questions,  call 562.233.4910 .

Please spread the word and join us for a night of fun and fundraising!  Sign up soon as tables are going !

Davenport, IA-The Quad City Symphony Orchestra and WVIK-Augustana Public Radio are presenting the Amadeus Trio, one of the foremost piano trios in the world, as the fourth installment of their Signature Series. The Amadeus Trio is recognized for their brilliant virtuosity and superb musicianship. The Los Angeles Times has proclaimed them "a world-class ensemble. Yes, world-class!" The Amadeus Trio, a Quad City Arts Visiting Artist, is comprised of Hiroko Sasaki, piano; Timothy Baker, violin; and David Teie, cello. The Amadeus Trio is performing works by Beethoven, Shostakovich, and Mendelssohn on Saturday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m. in Wallenberg Hall in the Denkmann Memorial Building at Augustana College. This performance is sponsored by the Wheelan-Pressly Family of Funeral Homes.

Celebrating twenty-two seasons of rave review performances to overwhelmingly enthusiastic audiences, the Amadeus Trio is generally acknowledged as occupying a position among the foremost piano trios in the world. All three artists also enjoy award-winning solo careers. The Amadeus Trio has appeared with regularity in principal cultural centers including New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, San Francisco, St. Louis, Miami, Philadelphia, and Salt Lake City. In addition to their formal concert season, the Trio is an established guest at summer chamber festivals throughout the United States and Europe. Numerous performances of the Amadeus Trio have been broadcast on National Public Radio's Performance Today and they have been hailed as "a powerhouse American chamber group!" by the Toronto Star.

The Amadeus Trio will be touring Quad City schools during the week as participants in the Quad City Arts Visiting Artist series. During their week-long residency, the Amadeus Trio will visit 15 schools and other outreach sites.

The Signature Series is presented by WVIK-Augustana Public Radio 90.3 FM in collaboration with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and Augustana College. Performed in Augustana College's Wallenberg Hall and rebroadcast on WVIK, this versatile and intimate six-concert series features select members of the QCSO and visiting artists from across the nation. Under the artistic direction of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra's Concertmaster Naha Greenholtz, the Signature Series is a testament to the vitality of the classical music community in the Quad Cities. This performance by the Amadeus Trio will be rebroadcast on WVIK-Augustana Public Radio 90.3 FM on Sunday, March 23, at 7:00 p.m.

WVIK/QCSO Signature Series

featuring the Amadeus Trio
Quad City Arts Visiting Artist
Saturday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m.
Wallenberg Hall, Augustana College
This concert is sponsored by the Wheelan-Pressly Family of Funeral Homes

Wallenberg Hall is on the second floor of the Denkmann Memorial Building, 3520 7th Avenue, Rock Island. Elevator access is available. Parking is in Lot E adjacent to Centennial Hall lot or Lot H adjacent to Lutheran House, with handicapped parking immediately behind the Denkmann Memorial Building.

Tickets for the WVIK/QCSO Signature Series are $25, with a $10 student ticket available. Get your tickets today by calling 563.322.QCSO (7276) or visiting www.qcsymphony.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.

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Dear friends of the QCSO,

We thank those of you who came out to our concerts this past weekend to hear the world premiere of Rock Island Line from local composer Jacob Bancks, as well as Beethoven's Symphony No. 8 and Brahms' Symphony No. 2, all conducted by Maestro Mark Russell Smith.

Even if you were unable to attend this weekend's concert, we'd love to hear from you. Please take a moment to fill out this brief survey. Your input is very important to us as we strive to improve our services at the QCSO.

If you would like to enjoy the concert again, it will be rebroadcast by our media partner WVIK-Augustana Public Radio on March 16 at 7:00 p.m. Be sure to tune in at 90.3 FM or listen online at www.wvik.org.
There is also still time to get tickets to this Saturday's performance by the Amadeus Trio, a Quad City Arts Visiting Artist. The Amadeus Trio will be performing music from Mendelssohn, Shostakovich, and Beethoven in Augustana College's Wallenberg Hall on Saturday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the WVIK/QCSO Signature Series. This concert is sponsored by the Wheelan-Pressly Family of Funeral Homes.
You can purchase your tickets online today by clicking here.

March 15th Monthly Trivia Night in LeClaire at the Civic Center. Doors open at 6:30pm, $10 per person. Corned Beef Dinner available for purchase ($7), including "to go". . . . Benefits LeClaire Civic Club. Win a Civic Center rental, and other prizes! For table reservations: Vicky at: 563-639-46211 or email kettlepopper@gmail.com

Rebuilding Together Hosts April 5 Trivia Night

Quad Cities, IA/IL: Rebuilding Together Quad Cities, a volunteer-based home rehabilitation group, will host an April 5 trivia night to help support its work. The group provides free repairs for elderly, disabled and low-income homeowners who are physically or financially unable to do the work themselves.

The trivia night is Saturday, April 5 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1111 W. 35th Street, Davenport, Iowa. Doors open at 6:30 pm. with the trivia game starting at 7:00 pm. Cost to play is $10 per player. Mulligan and doubler stickers will be sold, along with chances to bid on extra assistance from a "rent a geek" in the latter rounds of play. The event also features a silent auction and raffle prizes.

Players may bring snacks for their tables, but no carry-in drinks are allowed. A cash bar is available.

To reserve a table of up to eight players, please call 563-322-6534 or email trivia@rebuildingtogetherquadcities.org. The group will also take reservations via its Facebook page at RebuildingTogetherQuadCities

Rebuilding Together Quad Cities' next scheduled workday is April 26. For more details, please contact executive director Rod Jennings at 563-322-6534.
At The Rock, 302-1st Coal Valley, IL
Saturday, March 8, 2014
7:00P.M.; Doors Open at 6:00P.M.

$10:00 per person, tables of no more than 8

Bring your own snacks, but beverages must be purchased on site.

Cash prizes for top three winning tables. Raffles, 50/50, Silent Auction, Heads or Tails, will be included during the evening.

For more information or to reserve your table, contact judyh628@gmail.com

Payments can be mailed to BSLC, P.O. Box 1602, Bettendorf, IA 52722, or pay at the event.

Don't miss out on the fun!

Proceeds will go to support area literacy providers through our grant program. We are a 501c3 organization.

Our Mission:  To lead the challenge to overcome illiteracy in all its forms through advocacy, education, awareness and empowerment.

Davenport, IA-Due to the heavy snow storms on the east coast this week, Elissa Lee Koljonen is unable to travel the Quad Cities for this weekend's performance with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. Her husband, violist Roberto Díaz, was able to get a flight to Chicago and will be performing as scheduled this weekend. He will be joined in performing Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola by one of America's greatest violinists and the concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Robert Chen. This is a return engagement for Chen who performed the Barber Violin Concerto with the QCSO in 2002.

Robert Chen has been concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since 1999. During his years as the CSO concertmaster, he has been featured as soloist with Daniel Barenboim, Pierre Boulez, Bernard Haitink, Christoph Eschenbach, Charles Dutoit, Ton Koopman, and James Colon. He gave the CSO premiere of György Ligeti's Violin Concerto, Elliott Carter's Violin Concerto, and Witold Lutoslawski's Chain Two, as well as the world premiere of Augusta Read Thomas's Astral Canticle. Most recently, he appeared as soloist on subscription concerts at Orchestra Hall in October 2013 as soloist in Hindemith's Violin Concerto with Riccardo Muti conducting.

In addition to his duties as concertmaster, Chen enjoys a solo career that include performances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Moscow Philharmonic, New Japan Philharmonic, NDR Orchestra of Hanover, and the Bournemouth Symphony, collaborating with conductors such as Esa-Pekka Salonen, Manfred Honeck, Pavel Kogan, and Andreas Delfs.

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra is also performing romantic favorite, Fauré's Suite from Pelleas and Melisande, and Mendelssohn's "Italian" Symphony. Masterworks 4 will be performed on February 15 and 16. Saturday evening's concert is at the Adler Theatre in Davenport at 7:30 p.m., and followed on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at Centennial Hall in Rock Island. This concert is sponsored by John Deere.

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