Quincy Symphony Orchestra Returns with “New Beginnings”

The Quincy Symphony Orchestra launches the return of in-person concerts with “New Beginnings” on April 17. The 3 p.m. concert will be held at Morrison Theater in Quincy Junior High. Under the direction of Dr. Bruce Briney, the orchestra will perform bright and joyful music to celebrate the occasion.

The concert opens with Haydn’s joyful “Symphony No. 6 (subtitled “The morning”) which uses individual instruments of the ensemble in an almost concerto-like fashion. Listeners will hear solos by the flute, violin, cello, bassoon, and double bass. Haydn’s original ensemble included only 10-15 musicians, so this context fits well with the QSO’s restricted forces this pandemic year.

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Benjamin Britten’s “Simple Symphony” adopts several of the dance types to be heard later in the Bach Suite. Britten’s movement titles allude to the emotional intent, ranging from serious emotion (Sentimental Sarabande) to liveliness (Boisterous Bourree, Playful Pizzicato, Frolicsome Finale).

The concert concludes with Bach’s “Orchestral Suite No. 3,”  which includes the Air (“on the g string”), one of Bach’s most familiar compositions. Throughout the suite, the strings carry fast passagework while the oboes supplement the strings, and trumpets provide the triumphant framework both within and overall. The suite opens with a many-layered Overture, which is followed by spirited dances such as the Gavotte, Bourree, and a final delightful Gigue.

This performance by the orchestra is the first full-scale production with live audiences in over a year. Both musicians and audience will be safely distanced to allow worry-free enjoyment of the music. Face coverings are required.

Advance ticket purchase for this performance is strongly requested to help the QSO staff with planning. Tickets are $15 for seniors (62 and older), $18 for adults, and free to children. Buy at QSOA.org, at the QSOA office at 1026 Maine St., or by calling 217-222-2856.

The QSOA is grateful for season sponsors Blessing Health System and Knapheide Manufacturing, concert sponsor Mercantile Bank, media sponsor WGEM-TV, and music sponsor Schmiedeskamp, Robertson, Neu & Mitchell, LLP. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
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