Quincy Symphony Orchestra to open season with ‘Natural Wonders’ on Sunday at Morrison Theater

QUINCY — The Quincy Symphony Orchestra, directed by Bruce Briney, begins its 77th season with its “Natural Wonders” concert at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, at Quincy Junior High School’s Morrison Theater.

The orchestra will perform a contemporary piece by composer Roger Zare called “Fanfare Solaris.” It is inspired by the long days of summer – a season of outdoor festivals, barbecues, vacations and weddings.

Acclaimed violinist Alex Malaimare is featured in “The Lark Ascending” by Ralph Vaughan Williams. “The Lark Ascending” is a flight of fancy that stirs the hearts of all who listen, painting a lyrical portrait of freedom and transcendence against the backdrop of the orchestra’s embrace.

Malaimare is a distinguished musician with a celebrated career that spans performances across Europe and the United States. He has studied under some of the world’s most esteemed musicians, supported by a prestigious scholarship from the SoNoRo Chamber Music Workshops. His talent has earned him top honors in major competitions, including the Young Artist Competition of the Music Teachers National Association and the University of Illinois Concerto Competition.

Malaimare recently joined Marshall University as an assistant professor of violin. His previous orchestral leadership and teaching roles include Millikin University, the University of Illinois at Springfield and the University of Evansville.

The orchestra also performs Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” by Antonin Dvořák. For Dvořák’s fellow countrymen, this work is perhaps the greatest Czech symphony and expresses the composer’s longing for his homeland. For Americans, this is the first great symphony about America. For African Americans, this is the first great orchestral work to use themes inspired by their songs and spirituals. For Native Americans, it is the first, and so far the only, great symphonic work inspired by Native American music. The same tunes in this symphony have been claimed as African-American, Native American and Czech. New World Symphony remains one of his most popular and enduring works, celebrated for its rich melodies, evocative themes and masterful orchestration.

QSOA season tickets include 10 concerts from September through April and offer great savings over single ticket prices. A season ticket costs $70 for adults and $60 for seniors. A special promotion offers first-time season ticket holders to get two season tickets for the price of one.

Single tickets will be available at the door, or in advance from Quincy HyVee stores, Sturhahn Jewelers, and the QSOA website. Single ticket prices are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors. Support from the Tracy Family Foundation allows children 18 and under to be admitted free to all concerts.

The Natural Wonders concert is sponsored by Niemanns. Malaimare’s guest appearance is sponsored by Heartland Bank. The Herald-Whig is the media sponsor, and Winters LLP is the music sponsor. The 2024-25 season sponsors are Quincy Recycle and The Knapheide Manufacturing Company. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Program notes and soloist biographies are available at www.qsoa.org. For more information, call 217-222-2856.