04 May 2016

The Quad Cities' Biggest and Best Rummage Sale is Coming Soon!

By QCSO

The 2nd Fiddle Sale is Volunteers for Symphony's largest annual fundraiser and always a huge hit with a line around the block to get in!  The 33rd Annual 2nd Fiddle Sale is June 15-18. 

03 May 2016

2nd Fiddle Sale Dates Announced, "You Drive, We Unload" Donations May 14

By QCSO
33rd Annual Second Fiddle Sale is June 15-18

First 100 Donors Get 50% Off Quad City Bank & Trust Riverfront Pops Tickets

Quad Cities’ Biggest and Best Rummage Sale is Accepting Donations Beginning May 14
29 Aug 2015

Quad City Symphony Orchestra Opens 101st Season Seats to New Subscribers

By QCSO
The Thrilling 101st Season to Build on the Blockbuster 100-Year Anniversary Celebration
Featuring Monumental Works, Unique Ensembles and New Pops Events

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO) has just opened seats for new season ticket subscribers.  And in their 101st year they still have something to say.  The thrilling 101st season will build on the blockbuster 100-year anniversary celebration and feature an amazing line-up of Masterworks as well as unique Signature Series ensembles and an expanded Pops event schedule.  All season ticket packages are now open to the public.

The Masterworks programs will begin October 3 and 4 with The Re-Creation, an exact re-creation of the first symphonic concert staged in the symphony's inaugural season in 1916.  The second program November 7 and 8 will feature the grace of Bach, the romance of Brahms, and the profundity of Shostakovich.  The December 5 and 6Masterworks will be a sleigh ride of winter fun capturing the spirit of the season with Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, and Mozart's Piano Concerto #21. 2016 will feature Barber's lyrical concerto and Beethoven's Symphony #7 on February 6 and 7.  March 5 and 6 will showcase homegrown Quad Citians including Jacob Bancks, Benjamin Klemme, and Mark Timmerman bringing to life a World Premiere Bassoon Concerto.  Finally, April 2 and 3 will feature a rare treat, Mahler's massive and moving Symphony #2 "Resurrection".  Due to the extensive and expensive production featuring more than 200 instrumentalists and singers, Mahler #2 is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many concert-goers.  The final event will also feature Quad City Choral Arts.

The unique Signature Series ensemble programs begin with American Moderns, a collaborative effort with the Figge Art Museum on Sunday, September 20, coinciding with the Figge's last free exhibit day of American Moderns on Paper.  The season also features the Oasis Saxophone Quartet, Horn Trios, Arianna String Quartet and The Joy of Sextets.

Pops events are expanded this coming season.  This year's Quad City Bank & Trust Riverfront Pops:  Country Legends is to be held Saturday, September 12, 2015.  Again at the Adler Theatre, Holiday Pops boasts three all-new Cirque de la Symphonieperformances November 20 and 21, 2015.  A new affordable family concert, The Magical Music of Disney, will perform one show only April 9, 2016.

Mark Russell Smith, QCSO music director and conductor expressed, "our 101stseason continues our mission of inspiring, entertaining and engaging our entire community through great music for everyone in the family."

"People today are seeking all manner of experiences that inspire and that have the ability to transport them to a place of joy and hope for the future, and music is a sometimes overlooked vehicle for that transcendence...especially when enjoyed live," added Benjamin Loeb, QCSO executive director. 

Individuals and groups reward themselves by experiencing in person this beautifully curated season while taking pride in the Quad City Symphony Orchestra's showcasing of local, national and international talent.  Souls are sure to soar throughout this year's season. 

Single non-subscription tickets are now available for Riverfront Pops:  Country Legends and the first Signature Series:  American Moderns. Group and student pricing is available for most performances.

More information and tickets for performances and events are available atwww.qcso.org
##
03 Apr 2015

CELEBRATE WITH US AT THE "PARTY OF THE CENTURY"!

By QCSO

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra concludes its historic season with two HUGE celebrations surrounding the Yo-Yo Ma performance on May 14. Welcome to the Party of the Century!

YO-YO MA PRE-CONCERT CELEBRATION

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the gorgeous Gold Room at the historic Hotel Blackhawk, you can toast the Symphony at our hosted bar, enjoy delicious and filling small plates, and share in the excitement for the upcoming Yo-Yo Ma concert!  As the first stop in our 100 Years, 100 Cellos Project, ten painted cellos by our Lead Artists will be auctioned live to benefit the music education programs. At the conclusion of the event, simply walk over to the Adler Theatre for the concert. Free parking, as always, is available at the Hotel Blackhawk.
Tickets to the Pre-Concert Celebration are $100 per person (limited space)

CELEBRITY CELLO SILENT AUCTION
Two celebrity cellos will be available for bid through a special silent auction concluding at the end of the Yo-Yo Ma Dessert Reception in the Mississippi Room at the River Center.

27 Mar 2015

QCSO Wins Prestigious Award!

By QCSO

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE QCSO!
The Quad City Symphony Orchestra has been named 2015 Professional Orchestra of the Yearby the Illinois Council of Orchestras in recognition of its exemplary achievements.  The award will be presented on Sunday, April 12, at Centennial Hall, Rock Island, during the Masterworks VI: Peace and Brotherhood - Ode to Joy performance.

Did you attend Masterworks V: The American Tapestry featuring Joel Fan, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, and Mark Russell Smith, Music Director and Conductor?  

Your opinion is very important to us, and we hope you will take a few minutes to complete our survey.  Your valuable input will be used to enhance our future concerts.

Click here to take our survey

06 Mar 2015

GOULD, COPLAND, GERSHWIN, and a WORLD PREMIERE by WILLIAM CAMPBELL

By QCSO
Featuring Joel Fan, piano
Bright colors, direct expression, and rhythmic energy all characterize the diverse strains of American music.  "Stunningly brilliant" pianist Joel Fan returns for a star turn in two buoyant and melodic showpieces that will have you on your feet.
Saturday, March 7 at 8:00 p.m. Adler Theatre, Davenport
Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 p.m. Centennial Hall, Rock Island
Party of the Century
Pre-Concert Party
May 14, 2015
5:30 p.m.
Gold Room, Hotel Blackhawk
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and a once-in-a-lifetime performance by superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma.  Live auction of 12 painted cellos to benefit music education programs of the QCSO.
Enjoy a unique menu, fabulous small plates, top shelf hosted bar, musical entertainment, and MORE!
$100 per person
Tickets may be purchased at the QCSO Box Office and will be available online very soon.
Party of the Century
Dessert Reception
May 14, 2015
Mississippi Room, River Center
After the concert enjoy a festive champagne dessert reception in the Mississippi Room at the River Center. Raise a toast to the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and meet Yo-Yo Ma in person!
$25 per person
Tickets may be purchased at the QCSO Box Office and will be available online very soon.
CELLO-BRATION
May 29, 2015
Figge Art Museum
Our 100th Birthday celebration where all 100 cellos will be displayed and our artists and sponsors will be recognized from our 100 Years, 100 Cellos project.
Tickets on Sale
$25 Adults
$20 Volunteers for Symphony members
$10 Students
Tickets may be purchased at the QCSO Box Office and will be available online very soon.
Concert Conversations
Sponsored by Chris Connolly, Wells Fargo Advisors
Concertgoers are invited to attend informal pre-concert conversations beginning one hour prior to each Masterworks Series concert.
Saturday, March 7
7:00 p.m.
Adler Theatre, Davenport
Sunday, March 8
1:00 p.m.
Centennial Hall, Rock Island
Shuttle Buses Available for THIS Weekend's Performances
Don't like to drive in the snow?  No problem.  Shuttle buses are available for both performances this weekend.  Please click to view the shuttle bus schedule and locations.
100 Years, 100 Cellos
Volunteers for Symphony launched an exciting project to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra
06 Feb 2015

Hear the Golden Flute Tones of Demarre McGill with the QCSO THIS Weekend!

By QCSO
Featuring Demarre McGill, flute
In the most perfect classical style Mozart highlights the detail in the emotional masonry as expressed by the golden flute tones of Demarre McGill, Principal Flute of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.  This concert will transport you into the sound world of musical cathedrals from the monumental structures of Bruckner and Torke to the delicate filigree of Mozart.
Saturday, February 7 at 8:00 p.m. Adler Theatre, Davenport
Sunday, February 8 at 2:00 p.m. Centennial Hall, Rock Island

Purchase tickets at the QCSO Box Office at (563) 322-7276 or Ticketmaster.
20 Jan 2015

Mozart, Bruckner, Beethoven, and so much more...QCSO has an amazing array of upcoming classical performances

By QCSO
WVIK/QCSO Signature Series II: Tangos and Tutus
Sunday, January 25, 3:00 p.m.
Wallenberg Hall, Augustana College, Rock Island

QCSO Concertmaster Naha Greenholtz and QCSO Executive Director Benjamin Loeb featured in the music of Mozart, Bach, Stravinsky, and Piazzolla

Avoid the online fees and call the QCSO Box Office right now at 563-322-7276

Featuring Demarre McGill, flute
Be transported into the sound world of musical cathedrals from the monumental structures of Bruckner and Torke to the delicate filigree of Mozart.
Watch this video about Demarre and his brother Anthony

Saturday, February 7 at 8:00 p.m. Adler Theatre, Davenport
Sunday, February 8 at 2:00 p.m. Centennial Hall, Rock Island
Buy tickets now on Ticketmaster
Avoid the online fees and call the QCSO Box Office right now
at 563-322-7276
Hundreds of musicians of all ages fill the stage as the Quad City Symphony Orchestra performs in the annual Side-by-Side concert with the Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles. QCSYEs Concerto Competition Grand Prize winner, flutist Gabriella Nisly, will perform with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra led by Music Director and Conductor Mark Russell Smith.
General Admission tickets are $15/adults and $10/students. Call the QCSO Box Office now for tickets at (563) 322-7276
"Stunningly brilliant" pianist Joel Fan returns for a star turn in two buoyant and melodic showpieces that will have you on your feet cheering. 

In this performance of 20th century American music you can hear the open plains of the West  in the Harris Symphony or the crowded bustle of the New York City in Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue; visualize the exuberant community of rural America in Copland's ever-popular Suite from "Rodeo" or the jazzy nightclubs in Gould's Interplay.
Saturday, March 7 at 8:00 p.m. Adler Theatre, Davenport
Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 p.m. Centennial Hall, Rock Island
Buy tickets now on Ticketmaster
Avoid the service fees and call the QCSO Box Office at (563) 322-7276

 

15 Jan 2015

QCSO Music Education Fundraiser at Chili's

By QCSO

Eat a delicious meal at Chili's located at 4020 East 53rd Davenport, IA between now and March 15, 2015 and help support QCSO music education programs.  Chili's will match 15% of your pre-tax bill and donate that amount to Volunteers for Symphony.  Simply present one of the attached coupons or say "Symphony" when you pay your bill.

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15 Jan 2015

QCSYEs Concerto Competition Results

By QCSO

2015 QCSYEs Concerto Competition

On Sunday, January 11, flutist Gabriella Nisly won the 2015 Grand Prize in the QCSYEs Concerto Competition performing Georges Hüe's Fantasie. The Iowa City West High School senior will perform with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and QCSO Music Director and Conductor Mark Russell Smith on Sunday, February 22, 2015 as part of the QCSO/QCSYEs Side-by-Side Concert at Centennial Hall.

This year eleven members of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSYSO) participated as contestants in the 2015 QCSYEs Concerto Competition, which offers contestants the chance to compete for two opportunities to perform as a soloist with orchestral accompaniment. The two-round competition was held at Augustana College's Centennial Hall and was adjudicated by music faculty members from Augustana College, St. Ambrose University, and the University of Iowa, as well as members of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. Following the first round, five finalists were chosen to perform again in a final round, which resulted in the selection of two prize winners.
"As a judge, I was pleased to hear these fine young musicians.  The level of musical talent in the region was represented quite well by all the student participants.  Their musicality is a testament to their level of dedication to practice, to the hard work of the teachers and to the support of their families.  All the participants have reason to be proud of their accomplishments and I hope we continue to hear them make music for many years to come," said William Campbell, St. Ambrose University Music Department Chair, who served as a judge for the competition.
The YSO Prize was awarded to Muscatine High School junior Gabrielle Hartmann (pictured here with link to performance). She will perform the first movement of Carl Maria von Weber's Bassoon Concerto in F major, op. 75, with the Quad City Youth Symphony Orchestra and QCSYEs Music Director Benjamin Klemme on Sunday, April 26, 2015 as part of the QCSYEs Spring Festival Concert at Centennial Hall.

"This annual competition is a key component of the well-rounded musical experience we endeavor to provide the talented, young members of the Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles. It allows our leading members to perform in a context in which they can practice and develop confidence as a soloist and poise as a performer. And I can say, as a listener, that it is inspiring to observe them doing so as they pursue the highest standards of artistic excellence and informed musicianship. Showcasing the extraordinary talents of these young artists through the QCSYEs Concerto Competition is something we look forward to each year," Benjamin Klemme, QCSYEs music director shared.
THE QUAD CITY SYMPHONY YOUTH ENSEMBLES
The QCSYEs program is comprised of five performance groups (four youth orchestras and a youth choir) for students in grades two through twelve. Under the direction of the outstanding QCSYEs conducting staff, members have the opportunity to perform great orchestral and choral repertoire with the most talented young musicians in the area, and learn from rehearsals and coaching sessions with professional musicians from throughout the region. Ensemble members come from the greater Quad Cities, as well as other communities in southeast Iowa and northwest Illinois.
GABRIELA NISLY, Flute–QCSYEs Concerto Competition Grand Prize Winner
Gabriela Nisly is a senior at Iowa City West High School and studies flute with Nicole Esposito and Megan Hofeldt. She is a prize winner of numerous competitions and has participated in a variety of summer music activities, including the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. Gabriela hopes to double major in Flute Performance and Psychology in college.
GABRIELLE HARTMANN, Bassoon–QCSYEs Concerto Competition YSO Prize Winner
Gabrielle Hartmann is a 15-year-old junior at Muscatine High School and studies bassoon with Benjamin Coelho.  She is a 3-year member of the QCYSEs and Iowa All-State Music Festival. She also volunteers as a student director for Muscatine Children's Choir, and has been involved with implementing a youth music program in Haiti.?

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