Quincy Symphony Orchestra season opens Sunday

8 months, 2 weeks ago

The QSO opens their 65th concert season with Traditions at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7 in Quincy Junior High’s Morrison Theater

The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association opens their 65th concert season with Traditions at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7 in Quincy Junior High’s Morrison Theater. Led by conductor Bruce Briney, the symphony will explore 19th and 20th century symphonic monuments together with the premiere of a new composition.

The concert will open with Illinois composer William Camphouse’s “Swallows in the Window.” This piece celebrates the beauty and symmetry of the emerging folk art of quilt barn paintings seen throughout the Midwest.

“Quilts are things of beauty; colorful and intricate involving both planning and improvisation. Take that notion, change the media to rough sawn lumber and paint and the result is the barn quilt,” Camphouse said. Just as barn quilts depict their fabric counterparts in paint, Camphouse translates the history and tradition into corresponding melodies. The composer will be in attendance to witness the premiere of “Swallows on the Window.”

Edward Elgar’s “Cello Concerto in E Minor” will feature QSO principal cellist Brian Kubin. Dr. Kubin currently teaches cello, bass, string methods, and music theory at Truman State University, Kirksville, Mo.

“While there are some fun and technically-challenging moments, this concerto is not the fireworks display one might expect. Elgar wrote this work as a response to the disappearance of Edwardian society in the wake of World War I,” Kubin said. “This piece is very satisfying for me to play on many levels, perhaps because Elgar has revealed himself in such a personal way in this concerto. There are some profound, fragile moments where it is painfully evident that something precious and beautiful is about to slip away forever. I look forward to sharing this performance with the audience and making music with my wonderful colleagues in the Quincy Symphony Orchestra.”

The concert finishes with a performance of Alexander Borodin’s “Symphony No. 2.” Borodin was a chemist and major Russian composer of the 19th century. His “Symphony No. 2” is an important orchestral work and much studied as an example of Russian Nationalist Music of the Romantic Period.

Borodin took seven years to compose the symphony and not without difficulty—including rewriting two movements after he lost them. The work is distinctly patriotic with each movement showing dramatic contrasts in color, mood and tempo to form a complete, rounded and a most beloved symphony.

Local fiber artist, Ann Miller Titus will display some of her work in the QJHS lobby before and after the concert. Titus’ “Map 09.4” was chosen as brochure art and “Skirt and Blouse 09.1” was selected as the cover art for this season’s QSOA programs. Both pieces will be used in promotional material throughout the year. Several traditional quilts created by members of the Quincy Home and Community Education Quilt Club will also be on display.

Tickets for the Traditions concert will be available at the door or in advance at Sturhahn Jewelers or the symphony office, 200 N. 8th. Individual concert tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for senior citizens. Children 18 and under are encouraged to attend with their families, and will be admitted free thanks in part to a grant from the Tracy Family Foundation.

The QSOA is very grateful for support from the corporate community. The Silver Baton Concert Sponsor is the Quincy Herald-Whig with WGEM. The Silver Baton Guest Artist Sponsor is AA Dental Care. All QSOA concerts are supported by Golden Baton Season Sponsors Knapheide Manufacturing Company and Blessing Health System. Partial support has been received from the Marion Gardner Jackson Charitable Trust and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Season tickets may be purchased in advance or at the concert and offer a great discount over single ticket prices. A special 2-for-1 offer for new subscribers is available. A season ticket includes 10 QSOA events at $60 for adults or $50 for seniors. Flexi-tickets are also available for $60. The Flexi-ticket includes six general tickets to be used all at once or throughout the season at any QSOA event.

Ticket order forms are located in the season brochure or on the website. Call 217-222-2856 or visit www.qsoa.org for more information on the music and performers, including program notes and biographies.