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

 

20 Jan 2015

Davenport North's "The Big Dance"

By Don Doxsie
Twenty-three top high school show choirs from Iowa will descend on Davenport North's Gymnasium and Auditorium on January 31st for one of the Midwest's premier show choir invitationals, The Big Dance.

 

The 18th annual event will include preliminary competition from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and finals competition beginning at 7:30 p.m.

 

Among the competing schools will be Davenport Central, Bettendorf, Iowa City High and Cedar Rapids Prairie. Also included will be exhibition performances by North's own choirs, Northside Establishment and Center Stage.

 

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children and seniors.

 

For more information, contact:

Ryan Riewerts, North vocal music director (563) 388-9884

Caroline Curley, The Big Dance chairman  (563) 370-5570

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.?
14 Jan 2015

Comedy/magic show to benefit Tipton's Hardacre Theater

By Hardacre Film Festival

Improv comedy group and magician to perform all-ages show at Tipton High School

TIPTON, IOWA–ComedySportz, the Rock Island-based improv comedy group, and magician David Casas will perform at a fundraiser to benefit the Hardacre Theater Preservation Association (HTPA) at 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13. The all-ages show will be held in the Tipton High School auditorium.

This is the second Hardacre benefit featuring the ComedySportz "Guys in Ties" troupe in two years. Last April's show attracted hundreds of residents for a night of audience-driven comedy. All skits, songs and games are created from audience suggestions, so previous attendees are guaranteed a brand-new show.

"The ComedySportz 'Guys in Ties' group got such a strong reaction at last year's benefit, we knew we'd need to have them back as soon as possible," said Greg Brown, HTPA president. "The best part is everyone who saw year's show will get a whole new show this time around."

The high-energy, all-ages ComedySportz show features two teams of improv comedy "actletes" competing for points and laughs, with a referee keeping things moving and calling fouls.

According to the ComedySportz website, "the audience of a typical ComedySportz match has everyone, from kids to grandparents and from grade schoolers to college students. Everyone has a good time, and no one gets offended. We are the perfect improv entertainment choice for the entire family or a first date. All ComedySportz matches are Rated E for everyone."

Magician David Casas, a Muscatine native, will open the show with his fast-paced act, including audience interaction and comedy. According to Casas' website, "the combination creates an exhilarating, unique show with the audience laughing, amazed and happily entertained."

Tickets for the show will be $10 for adults and $5 for students, with all proceeds going to the Hardacre Theater Preservation Association.


The HTPA is a volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization tasked with renovating Tipton's historic Hardacre Theater, which opened in 1916 and closed in 2013. The group purchased the theater in 2014 after a successful worldwide donor campaign. Donations are now being sought to renovate and reopen the theater.


For more information, go to the HTPA website at thehardacre.org.


--END--

08 Jan 2015

Its Cold Outside, So Come Inside for these Great Shows!

By Adler Theatre
Wed., Jan. 21 7:30 p.m.
Guys and Dolls
Broadway at the Adler Theatre
Presented by Lexus of Quad Cities
 find tickets

 

Guys and Dolls is considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy. This oddball romantic comedy soars with the spirit of Broadway as it introduces us to a cast of vivid characters who have become legends in the canon.

Join us for a pre-show dinner! Check out the yummy menu and order today with your show tickets. The pre-show buffet dinner is only $25.
05 Jan 2015

Independent Movies Bring Viewers a Different Look at the World

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Want to explore the world and the perspectives of other cultures in 2015? The Rock Island Library's monthly independent film series offers a free way to do that without ever leaving your seat.

Films are shown at no cost on the first Thursday of every month in the community room of the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. Each showing includes free popcorn and discussion. Movies are not rated and may not be suitable for all audiences.

Upcoming dates and the setting of the next three films in the series include :(Please note: titles are omitted due to the library's film licensing restrictions from filmmovement.com. Full information is available at the library.)

  • 6:00 pm, Jan. 8: (United Kingdom) An 11-year-old's carefree life is shattered when she witnesses her angry neighbor beating a young man, and becomes unwittingly drawn into an unfolding family melodrama of violence and illness.
  • 5:30 pm, Feb. 5: (Japan) In Japanese, with English subtitles. A case of stolen identity and one determined bride-to-be intersect in this comedic escapade from filmmaker Kenji Uchida. Struggling actor Sakurai is out of work, out of luck, and can't even succeed at taking his own life. When a mysterious man slips and falls at the bathhouse, Sakurai switches locker keys and identities with the man, who turns out to be a hit man. Film starts early due to running time.
  • 6:00pm, March 5: (Chad) In French, with English subtitles. Despite a bad leg, 25-year old Grigris has hopes of becoming a professional dancer.  His dreams are tested when his stepfather falls critically ill and he's forced to risk his future by smuggling oil to pay the hospital bills.
For additional information about library events and services, visit any Rock Island Library branch, go to www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow the library's Facebook and Twitter sites, or call 309-732-READ (7323.)

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02 Jan 2015

The Original Harlem Globetrotters Take the Court this Saturday

By Lindsey Lobur

HISTORY IN THE MAKING AS WASHINGTON GENERALS LOOK FOR LANDMARK VICTORY OVER HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS at the iWireless Center TOMORROW Saturday, Jan. 3 @ 7:00 pm

(Moline, Jan. 2, 2014) - The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the greatest athletes and entertainers on the planet, will bring their unrivaled family show to the iwireless Center tomorrow at 7 p.m., during the Harlem Globetrotters 2015 "Washington Generals' Revenge" Tour.

The Globetrotters will face a great challenge this year, as the infamous Washington Generals are more determined than ever to match the franchise's historic last victory over the Globetrotters nearly a half century ago.  It has been five years since the Globetrotters and Generals have faced off, as the Generals have been searching far and wide for the best players to retool their roster and have been preparing for one thing: victory over the Globetrotters.

With a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson,Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law,Bull Bullard, Firefly FisherandMoose Weekes - plus female stars TNT Maddox, T-Time Brawner and Sweet J Ekworomadu* - the Globetrotters' one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. With incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction, this must-see event is guaranteed to entertain the whole family. After the game, Globetrotter stars will sign autographs and take photos with fans.

Tickets start at $17 and are now available for sale. For ticket information please see iwirelesscenter.com or ticketmaster.com, order by phone at 800-745-3000.  Tickets can be purchased at the iwireless Center box office,located at 1201 River Drive in Moline.

###

Sponsored by World Vision, Greyhound Lines and Baden Sports, The Harlem Globetrotters® are celebrating their 89th consecutive year, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans-among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents-over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site:  www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

22 Dec 2014

Samantha Eilers named member of Luther College Nordic Choir

By Julie Shockey

DECORAH, IA (12/22/2014)(readMedia)-- Samantha Eilers of Geneseo, Illinois is a member of the Luther College 2014-15 Nordic Choir music ensemble.

Eilers is the daughter of Walter and Beth Eilers of Geneseo. She is majoring in music at Luther. Eilers is a 2011 graduate of Geneseo High School.

Nordic Choir, founded in 1946, enjoys national and international acclaim as a premier collegiate choral ensemble in the United States. Nordic Choir is directed by Allen Hightower, director of choral activities at Luther College since 2010. Nordic Choir has toured extensively throughout the United States, performing in churches of all denominations, schools and concerts halls, including Lincoln Center, New York; Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.; and the Mormon Tabernacle, Salt Lake City.

Allen Hightower serves as Luther's Director of Choral Activities, as well as the director of Nordic Choir and the artistic director of "Christmas at Luther." He was recently appointed the first Weston Noble Endowed Chair in Music. Hightower earned an undergraduate degree in music education from Sam Houston State University, a master's degree in choral conducting from the Eastman School of Music, a master's degree in orchestral conducting from Baylor University and a doctorate in conducting from UCLA.

Luther is home to one of the largest collegiate music programs in the nation with six choirs, three orchestras, three bands, two jazz bands and nearly 1,000 student musicians. Luther students participate in large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. More than 350 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, church music and performance.

22 Dec 2014

100 Years, 100 Cellos to benefit QCSO Music Education programs

By QCSO

As you know, superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma is coming to help us celebrate our 100th Season with a special concert on May 14, 2015 at the Adler Theatre, Davenport. In honor of his performance and our historic year, Volunteers for Symphony has launched "100 Years, 100 Cellos", a project that will create and display beautiful art around the Quad Cities and raise awareness and funds to support the QCSO educational programs.

You can be a part of this ambitious project to create 100 painted cellos by signing up to be an artist or a sponsor! Sponsorships starts at $1,000, and you can either decorate your own cello or have an artist provided for you by VfS. You can also determine the display location of the cello. All of the cellos will be brought together at our Birthday Party on May 29, 2015 at the Figge Art Museum (more details to come about that). Our fundraising goal is to raise $100,000 and make everyone in the QC aware of our critical Music Education programs, and we can do it with your help. Click here to read more about the 100 Years, 100 Cellos Project.

Decorate a Cello
If you are interested in decorating a cello, click on the link below. As sponsorships start rolling we will let you know in whether we will need your or your students' artistic talent to decorate a cello or to create a poster. Here is a Fact Sheet about the Cello project.

Sponsor a Cello
If you would like to sponsor a cello, please click here.

Do you know any young singers?
The Quad City Symphony Youth Choir is accepting mid-season auditions to be held January 8, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Moline. Please visit our website to learn more.

Did you attend Masterworks III: A Musical Showcase?
Please give us your feedback by our survey by clicking the link below.  We will use your responses to improve our services and programs to provide you the best experience in the future.

Thank you in advance!

Make Your End-of-Year Donation to the QCSO

It is hard to believe that we have come to the end of the calendar year! It seems like only yesterday that we were announcing our historic Anniversary season. And what a year it has already been! When the American superstar pianist Garrick Ohlsson canceled at the last minute, we were honored to be joined by another American superstar Andre Watts. Rising star Erin Keefe gave a powerful and expressive performance of Brahms' magnificent Violin Concert, and just two weeks ago, we showcased our own QCSO musicians in a potpourri of concert pieces that had the audience on their feet four times! And, following each of these memorable solo performances, the QCSO musicians poured their souls into stirring second half symphonies of Dvorak, Tchaikovsky and Mozart.

We promise that each of the remaining performances this season will be equal in measure - Rhapsody in Blue, Bruckner's Romantic Symphony and Beethoven Symphony #9 "Ode to Joy" ending with our special concert with Yo-Yo Ma.
But we need your help! Did you know that ticket sales cover only one third of the operating expenses to present our incredible concerts and powerful education programs? We rely on the annual contributions of corporation, foundation, and individuals like you to help us meeting the critical demand in our community for superb symphonic music. 

Please consider a contribution at the end of this calendar year to our Annual Fund.
22 Dec 2014

Amy Pham named member of Luther College

By Julie Shockey

DECORAH, IA (12/22/2014)(readMedia)-- Amy Pham of Davenport, Iowa, is a member of the Luther College 2014-15 Aurora music ensemble.

Pham, the daughter of Katelyne and Len Pham of Davenport, is majoring in music at Luther College. She is a 2014 graduate of Davenport West High School.

Aurora is one of six auditioned choral ensembles at Luther College. Established in 1981, the group is comprised of first-year women, selected each fall by audition. They perform on and off-campus for worship services, participate in the annual Christmas at Luther concert and Dorian Vocal Festival, and present a spring concert with the Norsemen, Luther's choral ensemble for first-year men.

Jennaya Robison, conductor of Aurora, is in demand as a conductor, clinician and soprano throughout the United States. Prior to coming to Luther College she was the artistic director of Scottsdale Musical Arts. She has held faculty and teaching positions at the University of Arizona, Luther College and the University of New Mexico. As a soprano, she made her debut in 2010 with the Tucson Symphony in Handel's Messiah and has sung as a soloist with the Arizona Opera, Scottsdale Arts Orchestra, Scottsdale Symphony, St. Andrews Bach Society and Luther College Symphony Orchestra.

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