Quincy Through the transforming power of music, the Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association, under the direction of music director Dr. Bruce Briney, welcomes the community to rejuvenate, unwind, and re-establish connections. The 2025–2026 Triumph of the Spirit concert series features inspirational performances that honor resiliency, optimism, and the universal human experience. This season offers audiences of all ages moments of introspection, happiness, and rekindled connection with anything from dramatic symphonies to heartfelt choir pieces.
A fan favorite opens the new season:
Sunday, September 28 at 2:30 p.m. at QJHS: An American in Paris
An American in Paris by George Gershwin is a lively orchestral work that combines jazz and classical structure to portray the vitality and spirit of Paris in the 1920s from the perspective of an American visitor. It creates a vibrant picture of the city’s busy streets and romantic allure with its fun rhythms, bluesy melodies, and even automobile horns.
Gershwin’s piano concerto, which features the composer’s distinctive fusion of refinement and American flair, will feature guest pianist Thomas Lymenstull joining the orchestra. Lymenstull, a Quincy native, has performed in Europe, China, Japan, and the United States. He taught piano at Interlochen Arts Academy until his retirement in 2024.
Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, a brilliant, fast-paced orchestral piece brimming with humor, vigor, and dramatic flair, will also be featured at the concert.
The remaining dates for the concerts are:
Radiance and Reform, Saturday, November 15, 7:30 p.m., QJHS
Mendelssohn’s Reformation Symphony (No. 5) is a magnificent and profoundly spiritual composition that builds to a triumphant and sad finale by fusing together somber themes such as Martin Luther’s chorale A Mighty Fortress Is Our God and the Dresden Amen.
Rose Bishop, the principal flute, plays the new Concerto for Flute by Timothy Hagen. The composition was written and premiered in February by Hagen, the Dubuque Symphony’s principal flute. Percussion, harp, and strings accompany the flute soloist. According to Hagen, he composed it as an ode to the flute community.
The Academic Festival Overture by Johannes Brahms provides a playful element. Written as a satirical thank-you for an honorary degree, it is a joyous piece that combines classical refinement with student drinking songs.
The Light of HeavenSalem Church, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Phyllis Robertson conducts the Symphony Chorus, which uses a festive selection of holiday music and shimmering candlelight to celebrate the warmth and enchantment of the season. The show includes well-known carols like Angels from the Realms of Glory and many others, as well as Daniel Pinkham’s lively Christmas Cantata. While the gentle glow of candlelight provides a lovely environment and invites audiences to share the pleasure of Christmas, the addition of a hand bell choir adds sparkle and charm. The afternoon or evening concert is the one that ticket holders are encouraged to select based on their schedules. To help local food banks, everyone is asked to bring non-perishable items. Michele Guzman, the QSO Season Artist, will exhibit and sell her artwork, which is ideal for gifting as a Christmas present.
Heroic Vision: Saturday, February 7, 2:30 p.m. at QJHS
The symphony orchestra uses music and film scores that have inspired audiences for generations to celebrate the triumph of the human spirit! Olympic athletes’ grace and tenacity are encapsulated in John Williams’ Summon the Heroes and Vangelis’ Chariots of Fire theme. Remember the Titans by Trevor Rabin inspires solidarity in the face of hardship. Samuel Barber’s eerie tribute song, Adagio for Strings, and Jerry Goldsmith’s Hoosiers Suite are both powerful tributes to the bravery of the underdog. The orchestra will feature solo performances by the winner or winners of the 71st annual Martha McCrory Young Artists Competition. Fans are encouraged to show up to the concert wearing their preferred team’s jersey.
Young People’s Convert, Friday, March 13, 11:30 a.m., Baldwin School
The Amazing Symphony Orchestra is on display at the 55th Young People’s in-school concerts. Each instrument family is highlighted in this imaginative piece by Ervin Monroe through engaging narration and striking musical sequences. Their distinctive tones in well-known symphonic compositions demonstrate how music may influence our feelings, spark our creativity, or just make us want to dance. Dr. Bruce Briney will conduct a concert that will appeal to both adults and students. The public is welcome to attend the free concert at 11:30 a.m., which is ideal for a lunch break because it lasts for approximately 45 minutes.
Dream a Little Dream, Salem Church, Saturday, March 14, 7:30 p.m.
A dozen well-known songs that highlight the uplifting and inspiring potential of aspirations are interwoven throughout the spring choral pops program. This moving trip highlights the various ways we pursue and cling to our goals, from the nostalgic longing of California Dreamin to the lofty ambition of The Impossible Dream, the wide-eyed wonder of A Million goals, and the moving reflection of I Dreamed a Dream. There is something for everyone at this festival, which features a range of genres.
Triumph of the Spirit, Saturday, April 19, 2:30 p.m., QJHS
This stirring event addresses resiliency, faith, and the human spirit by bringing together an orchestra and a mass chorus. The Chichester Psalms by Leonard Bernstein is a work of poetic beauty that combines Hebrew passages with sumptuous harmonies and uplifting spirit. In stark contrast, Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 is an emotionally charged performance that takes the audience on a compelling journey from despair to defiant triumph. Additionally, Stephanie Berg, a composer from St. Louis, premieres a recently commissioned overture for the orchestra. These pieces come together to produce a concert of musical passion and depth that will never be forgotten.
All of the concerts mentioned above are included with QSOA season tickets, which are significantly less expensive than single tickets. Adult season tickets cost $70, while those aged 62 and up pay $60. First-time season ticket holders can receive two season tickets for the price of one thanks to a special promotion. Throughout the season, single tickets will be offered at the door or online at the QSOA website, Sturhahn Jewelers, and Quincy HyVee locations. Adult single tickets cost $18 and senior single tickets cost $15. Children under the age of 18 are encouraged to attend all concerts and are admitted free of charge thanks to funding from the Tracy Family Foundation.
The Knapheide Manufacturing Company and Quincy Recycle are the sponsors for the 2025–2026 season. Throughout the season, detailed information will be available on the QSOA website, www.qsoa.org, including program notes and bios of the soloists. Contact 217-222-2856 to obtain a brochure or other information.
