Quincy Symphony Orchestra opens season with tribute to Ansel Adams

QUINCY — The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association opens its concert season at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26 with a tribute to one of America’s most cherished artists. Under the direction of Bruce Briney, the orchestra will perform “Ansel Adams: America” at Quincy Junior High School. 

Composed by Chris and Dave Brubeck, “Ansel Adams: America” integrates sweeping melodies with 100 striking images of or by Adams on the big screen. Few people realize Adams trained to be a classical musician, which greatly influenced his work. This unique combination of iconic photography and soaring music has succeeded in its mission to bring new audiences to orchestra concerts.

The performance concludes with “Symphony No. 1 – Afro-American Symphony” by William Grant Still. Composed in 1930, this piece was the first symphony written by an African American and performed for a U.S. audience by a leading orchestra. It combines traditional form with blues progressions and rhythms.

All guests are required to wear a face mask regardless of vaccination status. Everyone must wear a face mask at all times to enter the building and when moving around. 

Stop by Quincy Art Center, 1515 Jersey, between 1:30-2:30 p.m. to learn more about Adams. Visitors also can explore Sandra Gottlieb’s “October Waves” exhibit, a striking series of photographs of the skies and waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Tickets for “Ansel Adams: America” are available at the door or in advance at the symphony office, 1026 Maine. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for senior citizens. Children 18 and under are admitted free thanks, in part, to grants from the Tracy Family Foundation and the Community Foundation. 

Season tickets are available for 10 QSOA events at $70 for adults or $60 for seniors. New season ticket holders can get two season tickets for the price of one if the order is received by Oct. 1.

This program was made possible by a grant from the Jayne & Leroy Boeckelman Fund for Young Musicians and the Arthur O. & Lela B. Lindsay Fund through the Community Foundation. The Silver Baton Concert Sponsor for “Ansel Adams: America” is the Quincy Herald-Whig with WGEM. The Stevenson Paxton Group is the Music Sponsor.  All QSOA concerts are supported by Golden Baton season sponsors Knapheide Manufacturing and Blessing Health System, and by the Illinois Arts Council Agency. 

Call 217-222-2856 for more information.