11 Feb 2014

A ROMANTIC RENDEZVOUS WITH THE QCSO

By Jared Johnson

Davenport, IA-For Valentine's Day weekend, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra presents an ode to love ranging from the tragic romance of Pelleas and Melisande to Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola performed by husband-and-wife duo Elissa Lee Koljonen and Roberto Díaz. The concert concludes in the always romantic Italy, described vividly by Mendelssohn's "Italian" Symphony. The concert 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.

Recognized as one of the most celebrated violinists of her generation, Elissa Lee Koljonen has thrilled audiences and critics in over one hundred cities throughout the world. Koljonen initially received international acclaim when she became the first recipient of the prestigious Henryk Szeryng Foundation Award and silver medalist of the Carl Flesch International Violin Competition. Her playing has been lauded by the Helsingin Sanomat (Helsinki) as "sparkling, sensual and personal." Dan Tucker of the Chicago Tribune writes, "She displayed boundless technique and musicianship," and the Detroit News reports, "Koljonen brings to her playing not just assured technique but unflinching purpose and confidence."

 

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 Díaz and Koljonen. 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

 

EVENT LISTING


Inside the Music Luncheon
Friday, February 14, at 12:00 noon
Reservations: $15
Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)
Quad City Botanical Center, Rock Island

Students@Symphony
Friday, February 14, at 7:30 p.m.
Registration: FREE
Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)
Adler Theatre, Davenport

Concert Conversations
Saturday, February 15, at 6:30 p.m.
Adler Theatre, Davenport
Sponsored by Rich James, Wells Fargo Financial Advisors

Masterworks III
Saturday, February 15, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$55
Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)
Adler Theatre, Davenport

Sponsored by John Deere

Afterglow
Saturday, February 15, immediately following the concert
Hotel Blackhawk, adjacent to the Adler Theatre/RiverCenter

Concert Conversations
Sunday, February 16, at 1:00 p.m.
Centennial Hall, Rock Island
Sponsored by Rich James, Wells Fargo Financial Advisors

Masterworks III
Sunday, February 16, at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$40
Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)
Centennial Hall, Rock Island

Sponsored by John Deere

 

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06 Feb 2014

BUD, NOT BUDDY SET TO MUSIC AT THE DAVENPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY

By Jared Johnson

Davenport, IA-This exciting new collaboration between the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, the Davenport Library, and the Davenport Public Schools demonstrates the illustrative power of music, with a little help from the musicians of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. A string trio made of QCSO musicians will perform pieces from the classical repertoire to mirror the emotional impact of memorable moments in the classic book Bud, Not Buddy, similar to the way a movie score or cartoon might use classical music. Fourth Grade students from Jefferson-Edison Elementary in Davenport have been studying the book as part of their curriculum, but all are welcome to attend this fun and engaging presentation.

The programs are at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on February 8 at the Davenport Public Library in downtown Davenport, 321 N. Main Street. The event is free to the public and students of all ages are invited to attend. Press is also invited to cover the event.

 

Bud, Not Buddy

Saturday, February 8

11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Davenport Public Library

321 N. Main Street, Davenport

 

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27 Jan 2014

YOUTH AND PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS TO PERFORM SIDE BY SIDE

By Jared Johnson

Davenport, IA-Hundreds of musicians of all ages will fill the Adler Theatre stage on February 1 as the professional musicians of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra perform side-by-side with the Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles for the first time ever. All four youth orchestras will have their moment to shine as they perform music by Dvorák, Strauss, Schubert, Saint-Saëns, and Shostakovich. The concert also features a concerto performance by Robert Spurgeon, the 2014 Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles Concerto Competition winner, for the first time ever accompanied by the Quad City Symphony Orchestra led by Music Director and Conductor Mark Russell Smith. Spurgeon will be performing Saint-Saëns' Concerto No. 1 for Cello. Tickets for this concert start at $10, with 50% off for student tickets. The concert is at the Adler Theatre onFebruary 1 at 4:00 p.m. This concert is sponsored by UnityPoint Health - Trinity, with additional funding from The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation.

Robert Spurgeon, age 17, son of John and Eloise Spurgeon, is a junior in high school. He is the youngest of four children, all were home schooled. He attends Carl Sandburg College for part of his high school education. Robert started piano lessons at five years of age. He has studied cello with Carolyn Suda, a member of the faculty of Monmouth College and Knox College, since the age six. Besides the honor of soloing with the Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra, Robert also won the Central Illinois Young Artists Competition. He will be soloing with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra for the 60th annual student concerts in Peoria. He was also recently chosen through a taped National audition to play in the Pre College cello Master Class at the upcoming ASTA (American String Teachers Association) National conference in Louisville, Kentucky this spring. Every summer, Robert has attended various camps including Credo in Oberlin, OH; Suzuki Summer Music Camp in Chicago: and Sound Encounters in Kansas. Robert also recently played in a Master Class given by Saeunn Thorsteinsdottir through the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.

 

Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles

& the Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Side X Side
Robert Spurgeon, cello
Saturday, February 1, at 4:00 p.m.
Adler Theatre, Davenport
This concert is sponsored by UnityPoint Health - Trinity
Additional funding is provided by The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation

Tickets for the Side X Side concert start at $10, with a 50% discount for student tickets. Tickets are available at 563.322.QCSO (7276) or by visiting www.qcsymphony.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.

 

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21 Jan 2014

QCSO names new Director of Finance

By Jared Johnson

Davenport, IA-The Quad City Symphony Orchestra has named Darlene J. Link, CPA, MBA, as their new Director of Finance. Ms. Link has over 30 years of accounting experience, most recently as Controller for Augustana College. She has also worked for Illini Hospital, the ARC of the Quad Cities, and is a member of Volunteers for Symphony.

Ms. Link is taking the place of Steven Morenz, MBA, who is taking a position as Director of Finance and Human Resources with the River Bend Food Bank. "We wish Steve the best in his new position with greater responsibilities and opportunities while continuing to serve the greater Quad City community," said Executive Director Benjamin Loeb. "We are also very excited to have Darlene Link join our staff. She comes with tremendous experience in nonprofit accounting and strategic financial planning and we know she will be an invaluable and productive part of the team."

 

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15 Jan 2014

Warm tones for a wintery day

By Jared Johnson

Davenport, IA-Come in out of the cold to enjoy a warm evening of woodwind music performed by musicians from the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. This next concert in the WVIK/QCSO Signature Series features Mozart's Quintet in E flat Major for Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, and Piano, a tribute to his 257th birthday on the following day. The music will be performed by Julianne Skones, oboe; Christine Bellomy, clarinet; Benjamin Coelho, principal bassoon; Marc Zyla, principal horn; and Mary Neil, piano. These musicians will also perform works by William Hurlstone, Mikhail Glinka, and Robert Schumann. The concert is on Sunday, January 26, at 3:00 p.m. in Wallenberg Hall at Augustana College. This performance is sponsored by Metropolitan Medical Laboratory, PLC.

 

The Signature Series is presented by WVIK 90.3 FM in collaboration with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and Augustana College. Performed in Augustana's Wallenberg Hall and rebroadcast on WVIK, this versatile and intimate five-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 will be rebroadcast on WVIK-Augustana Public Radio 90.3 FM on Sunday, February 2, at 7:00 p.m.

 

The audience is invited to a free post-concert reception at the Black Ram, 1407 30th Street in Rock Island. This reception is an opportunity to meet the musicians, as well as Music Director Mark Russell Smith. The reception is from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. and will include hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

 

WVIK/QCSO Signature Series

featuring musicians from the
Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Julianne Skones, oboe
Christine Bellomy, clarinet
Benjamin Coelho, principal bassoon
Marc Zyla, principal horn
Mary Neil, piano
Sunday, January 26, at 3:00 p.m.
Wallenberg Hall, Augustana College

This concert is sponsored by
Metropolitan Medical Laboratory, PLC


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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14 Jan 2014

QCSYEs Concerto Competition announces winners

By Jared Johnson

QUAD CITY SYMPHONY YOUTH ENSEMBLE CONCERTO COMPETITION WINNER

 

Davenport, IA-The Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles is proud to announce the Grand Prize Winner of the 2014 Concerto Competition, cellist Robert Spurgeon of East Galesburg, IL.

 

Spurgeon will perform Saint-Saëns' Concerto No. 1 for Cello with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Mark Russell Smith at the inaugural Side-By-Side Concert on February 1. This Side-By-Side Concert features the combined forces of all four Quad City Symphony Youth Orchestras and the professional Quad City Symphony Orchestra. The Side-By-Side Concert is sponsored by UnityPoint Health-Trinity. Additional funding for this concert is provided by the Hubbell Waterman Foundation.

 

The QCSYEs is also excited to announce the YSO Prizewinner, harpist Caitlin Thom of Bettendorf. Caitlin will perform Debussy's Danse sacrée et danse profane at the Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles' concert in Centennial Hall, Augustana College, on May 4.

The Side-By-Side Concert will be held at the Adler Theatre on February 1 at 4:00 p.m.

 

Tickets are $10-$25 (50% student discount) and may be ordered online at www.qcsymphony.com, by calling 563-322-QCSO (7276) or at the QCSO office at the corner of 4th and Brady St. in downtown Davenport.

 

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07 Jan 2014

Quad City Symphony Youth Ensemble Concerto Competition

By Jared Johnson

Davenport, IA- Seven young musicians will compete on January 12th for the opportunity to solo with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. For over 50 years the Quad City Youth Symphony Orchestra has held an annual Concerto Competition with the winner soloing alongside the youth ensemble. But this year the stakes will be higher with the winner performing their concerto at the inaugural Side-By-Side Concert on February 1 featuring all four Quad City Symphony Youth Orchestras, as well as the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. The Side-By-Side Concert is sponsored by UnityPoint Health-Trinity. All proceeds from this concert go to benefit the Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles.

The competition on January 12th takes place in Centennial Hall at 1:00 p.m. and is open to the public. The seven musicians competing are:

 

Katie Dircks

Viola
Davenport Central High School

Brennan Nelson
Trombone
Iowa City High School

Gabriela Nisly
Flute
Iowa City West High School

Molly Schebler
French Horn
Davenport Central High School

Robert Spurgeon
Cello
Home school in East Galesburg

Caitlin Thom
Harp
Pleasant Valley High School

Maggie Warner
Violin
Davenport North

 

The concerto winner will be announced following the contest on January 12th. The Side-By-Side Concert will be held at the Adler Theatre on February 1 at 4:00 p.m. Tickets for this concert range from $10-$25 with a $5 student rate. Tickets may be ordered by calling 563-322-QCSO (7276) or online at online at www.qcsymphony.com.

 

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02 Jan 2014

Engineering Trivia Night

By Jared Johnson
The public is invited to Engineering Trivia Night, sponsored by the St. Ambrose Student Engineering Club and the Mississippi Valley Chapter of the Institute of Industrial Engineers.  The event will be held on Friday, February 28th, 2014 at 6 p.m. at the St. Ambrose University Rogalski Center Ballroom in Davenport, Iowa.
You and your friends and family (engineers and non-engineers alike) are invited to form teams, and play 10 rounds of trivia questions - some geared toward engineering, computer science, physics, and chemistry, as well as various geeky pursuits.  There will be a good mix of science and engineering, as well as songs, movies, TV, and all the other common trivia questions.  This will be a fun event to break up the winter doldrums!
Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners.  Players may bring their own snacks, but all beverages must be purchased at the Rogalski Center.  The event is open to the public, and admission is $10 per person ($5 Admission for Full-time Students).  Players may register as individuals or teams (8 max).  Proceeds from this event will be used to sponsor the St. Ambrose Student Engineering Club..
To register, contact Bonnie Thiede. Please specify team's name, captain, # of players, contact telephone number, and email address
Bonnie J. Thiede
Wk: 309-756-1454
02 Dec 2013

CONCERTMASTER TO PERFORM PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING VIOLIN CONCERTO

By Jared Johnson
 

Davenport, IA- The Quad City Symphony Orchestra's December Masterworks concert presents a perfect pairing of fresh inspirations with romantic tradition. New to the Quad Cities' stage will be Alasdair Neale, hailing from the San Francisco Bay area. Neale will be leading the Quad City Symphony Orchestra as they accompany our beloved Concertmaster Naha Greenholtz in her performance of Jennifer Higdon's 2010 Pulitzer Prize-winning Violin Concerto. Greenholtz will be only the third violinist to perform this work. Then on the second half of the concert, this new work will be contrasted with Rachmaninoff's romantic masterpiece, his sweeping Symphony No. 2.

 

The concert will be performed on December 7 and 8. Saturday evening's concert will be held 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. Tickets for this concert can be purchased in person at the QCSO Box Office, 327 Brady Street in Davenport, by phone at 563.322.QCSO (7276), or online at www.qcsymphony.com.

 

Higdon completed her Violin Concerto in 2008, written for and dedicated to American violinist Hilary Hahn. Hahn then presented the premiere performance with the Indianapolis Symphony in 2009. The concerto was later honored with the Pulitzer Prize in Music for 2010. The New York Times described Higdon's Violin Concerto as "a showpiece in the classical Romantic style." This will be the second work by Jennifer Higdon to be performed by the QCSO, who performed her blue cathedral in 2007.

 

Alasdair Neale is Music Director of the Sun Valley Summer Symphony (SVSS), Music Director of the Marin Symphony Orchestra, and Principal Guest Conductor of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. In his nineteen years as Music Director of the SVSS, Neale has propelled this festival to national status: it is now the largest privately funded free admission symphony in America. Neale has also guest conducted the New York Philharmonic, Saint Louis Symphony, Houston Symphony, Columbus Symphony, Dallas Symphony, St. Paul Chamber, Rochester Philharmonic, and many other orchestras throughout the US and abroad. The Seattle Times said of Neale: "This is a conductor with a real sense of drama."

 

QCSO Concertmaster Naha Greenholtz was born in Kyoto, Japan, where she began her violin studies at age three. Since her solo debut at 14, concerto appearances have included engagements with the Vancouver Symphony, Quad City Symphony, Madison Symphony, and the National Repertory Orchestras in works ranging from Bach to Stravinsky. Greenholtz also serves as Artistic Director of the WVIK/QCSO Signature Series, a chamber music series dedicated to presenting world class performances to the Quad Cities. The River Cities' Reader said of Greenholtz' solo premiere with the QCSO, the "sweetness of sound within her lyrical approach was an attractive veil that enhanced deep technical strength."

 

On Friday, December 6, Alasdair Neale and Naha Greenholtz will present at the Inside the Music Luncheon, this time at the River Music Experience 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. For December only, the luncheon is just $10 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 both Guest Conductor Alasdair Neale and Concertmaster Naha Greenholtz. 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

 

Neale and Greenholtz 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, Concertmaster Naha Greenholtz, 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, December 6, at 12:00 noon
Reservations: $10
Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)
River Music Experience, Davenport

 

Students@Symphony

Friday, December 6, at 7:30 p.m.

Registration: FREE

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

Adler Theatre, Davenport

 

Concert Conversations

Saturday, December 7, at 6:30 p.m.

Adler Theatre, Davenport

Sponsored by Rich James, Wells Fargo Financial Advisors

 

Masterworks III

Saturday, December 7, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $10-$50

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

Adler Theatre, Davenport

 

Afterglow

Saturday, December 7, immediately following the concert

Hotel Blackhawk, adjacent to the Adler Theatre/RiverCenter

 

Concert Conversations

Sunday, December 8, at 1:00 p.m.

Centennial Hall, Rock Island

Sponsored by Rich James, Wells Fargo Financial Advisors

 

Masterworks III

Sunday, December 8, at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets: $10-$40

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

Centennial Hall, Rock Island

 

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02 Dec 2013

YO-YO MA TO PERFORM WITH QUAD CITY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO CELEBRATE 100TH SEASON

By Jared Johnson

Davenport, IA- The Quad City Symphony Orchestra is honored to announce cellist and classical music superstar Yo-Yo Ma will join them for a special concert at the Adler Theatre celebrating their 100th Season on May 14, 2015. "Yo-Yo Ma is probably the most well-known and sought-after classical artist of our generation and we are delighted to have him joining us as a part of our 100th season celebration," said QCSO Board of Trustees President Scott Van Vooren. Additional concert details including repertoire, ticket prices, and the on-sale date will be announced at a later time.

Yo-Yo Ma's multi-faceted career is testament to his continual search for new ways to communicate with audiences, and to his personal desire for artistic growth and renewal. Whether performing new or familiar works from the cello repertoire, coming together with colleagues for chamber music, or exploring cultures and musical forms outside the Western classical tradition, Mr. Ma strives to find connections that stimulate the imagination. "Yo-Yo Ma's importance as an ambassador for classical music as an integral part of our culture cannot be over estimated," said QCSO Music Director Mark Russell Smith. "Whether it is on Sesame Street or the Colbert Report, for many, Yo-Yo Ma is the face of classical music today." As the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Judson and Joyce Green Creative Consultant, Mr. Ma is partnering with Maestro Riccardo Muti to provide collaborative musical leadership and guidance on innovative program development for The Institute for Learning, Access and Training at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and for Chicago Symphony artistic initiatives. Mr. Ma's work focuses on the transformative power music can have in individuals' lives and on increasing the number and variety of opportunities audiences have to experience music in their communities. In 2011, Mr. Ma was recognized as a Kennedy Center Honoree. Appointed a CultureConnect Ambassador by the United States Department of State in 2002, Mr. Ma has met with, trained, and mentored thousands of students worldwide in countries including Lithuania, Korea, Lebanon, Azerbaijan and China. Mr. Ma serves as a UN Messenger of Peace and as a member of the President's Committee on the Arts & the Humanities. He has performed for eight American presidents, most recently at the invitation of President Obama on the occasion of the 56th Inaugural Ceremony.

The Riverboat Development Authority has provided a significant two-year grant to support this performance during our 100th Season. "RDA is thrilled to be able to sponsor an artist the caliber of Yo-Yo Ma who will be coming to Davenport to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of our symphony," said Mary Ellen Chamberlin. "It is a great opportunity for the symphony to shine and to prove once again that Davenport has become a mecca for the Arts." This special concert with Yo-Yo Ma is just one of the many events planned to celebrate the Quad City Symphony Orchestra's 100th season. "We are so grateful to the RDA for providing a portion of the funding that is making this performance possible during our 100th Season," said Benjamin Loeb, Executive Director of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. "A community-wide celebration like this with a celebrity like Yo-Yo Ma is a great opportunity for a local business to showcase their support for the arts in the Quad Cities. I encourage those interested in sponsorship opportunities for this performance or any of our other 100th Season events to contact me." More details about the 100th season celebration will become available during the coming months. Visit www.qcsymphony.com for regular updates.

 

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