Conductor

Join us for the grand YSO Finale Concert, a showcase of the Youth Symphony Orchestra's (YSO) remarkable talent and hard work throughout the season. This event is scheduled for May 12 at 3:00 pm CDT, taking place at the prestigious Bartlett Performing Arts Center, located at 3600 Avenue of the Cities, Moline, IL 61265, United States.

Under the baton of conductor Benjamin Firer, the YSO, comprising nearly 90 talented young musicians, will present an ambitious program. The concert will feature Charles T. Griffes' "Poem for Flute and Orchestra," with a special performance by Concerto Competition Grand Prize Winner Runner Up, Morgan Smith. The program will also include "Hold fast to dreams" by Dana Wilson, followed by an intermission and senior announcements. The second half of the concert will be dedicated to "The Montgomery Variations" by Margaret Bonds, a powerful suite in seven movements that promises to be an emotional and inspiring highlight of the evening.

This event is not just a concert; it's a celebration of youth, music, and community. It's an opportunity to witness the premier youth orchestra in the region perform advanced orchestral repertoire, including their collaboration in the Side-by-Side Concert with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Mark Russell Smith.

Don't miss this opportunity to support and enjoy the incredible talent of our young musicians. Purchase your tickets now and be part of a memorable evening filled with inspiring music and performances. For more information and to secure your seats, please visit our website or contact the box office at 563-322-7276.

YSO Finale Concert

Moline High School

Experience the harmonious collaboration between the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO) and the Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles (QCSYE) in a special Side-by-Side Concert. This unique performance is set to take place on April 28 at 5:30 pm CDT, hosted at the prestigious Adler Theatre, located at 136 E 3rd St, Davenport, IA, 52801.

The concert will showcase the talents of young musicians from the QCSYE, which includes four orchestras catering to various ability levels for ages 7 to 18. The program is designed to provide a challenging yet nurturing environment that emphasizes musical excellence. Participants, playing string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments, will have the opportunity to develop their musical, social, and leadership skills. The event is a testament to the QCSO's commitment to making music accessible to all, with financial aid available to ensure no one is left out due to financial constraints.

The evening's program will feature performances by the Prelude Strings under the baton of Elizabeth Lundine, the Concert Orchestra conducted by Michele Ottesen, and the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra led by Benjamin Firer. Following an intermission, the concert will resume with a performance by the YSO Concerto Competition Winner accompanied by the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, with Mark Russell Smith conducting. The event will conclude with a combined performance by the Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, also under the direction of Mark Russell Smith.

This concert is supported by the Mel Mckay Trust and the Mary Iva Gittens Knouse Trust, ensuring a memorable evening of music and community spirit. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the future of classical music as the young talents of QCSYE perform side by side with the seasoned professionals of the QCSO. Tickets are available for purchase, promising an inspiring evening for music lovers of all ages.

QCSO/QCSYE Side-by-Side Concert

Adler Theatre

Travel back to the era of Swing, a time when jazz ruled and the sultry voices of women such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan echoed from every radio and dance hall. Includes classic hits "A Tisket, A Tasket," "Fever," 'Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man," "Makin’ Whoopee," and "Mack The Knife," among others. 

EPSG:4326

Great Ladies of Swing

Friends of the Coronado

Join us for an enchanting evening of music at the QCSYE Winter Concert, taking place on February 18th at 7:00 PM CST. This remarkable event will be held at the Davenport Central Performing Arts Center, located at 1120 Main St, Davenport, IA, 52803, United States.

The Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles (QCSYE) is proud to present a concert that showcases the talents of young musicians from the ages of 7 to 18. The QCSYE program is dedicated to providing a rigorous and inspiring learning environment that fosters musical excellence across string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Under the batons of Michele Ottesen and Benjamin Firer, the Concert Orchestra and Youth Symphony Orchestra, respectively, will perform a repertoire designed to highlight the skills and dedication of these young performers.

This concert is not just a performance; it's an opportunity for students to develop valuable musical, social, and leadership skills that will aid them in their academic and personal growth. The QCSYE is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to participate, offering financial aid to those who need it.

Don't miss this opportunity to support the next generation of musicians and experience the joy of youth orchestral music. Tickets are available for purchase now. For more information, please visit our website or contact the box office at 563-322-7276.

QCSYE Winter Concert

Davenport Central Performing Arts Center

Immerse yourself in the harmonious celebration of youth and music at the QCSYE Fall Concert, presented by the Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles (QCSYE). This captivating event is set to take place on November 12, 2023, at 3:00 pm CST, at the prestigious Adler Theatre, located at 136 E 3rd St, Davenport, IA, 52801.

The QCSYE Fall Concert showcases the exceptional talents of young musicians, ages 7 to 18, across four school-year orchestras. These ensembles provide a platform for students of all ability levels to engage in a rigorous and inspiring learning environment. Under the guidance of esteemed conductors, participants in the string, woodwind, brass, and percussion sections will perform, demonstrating the musical excellence, social, and leadership skills they have honed throughout their time with the program. Financial aid is available, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their financial situation.

The concert will feature performances by the Prelude Strings under the baton of Elizabeth Lundine, the Concert Orchestra led by Michele Ottesen, and the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra and Youth Symphony Orchestra, both conducted by Benjamin Firer. An intermission will provide a moment for the audience to reflect on the first half of the program before the musical journey continues.

This event not only celebrates the achievements of these young musicians but also supports the QCSYE's mission to foster a lifelong appreciation of music and the arts. Whether you're a family member, friend, or simply a lover of music, the QCSYE Fall Concert promises an afternoon of delightful performances that will inspire and entertain.

Tickets are available for purchase, inviting everyone to be part of this special occasion. Don't miss the chance to support the next generation of musicians and experience the joy of music at the QCSYE Fall Concert.

QCSYE Fall Concert

CYSO’s Accelerando Strings and Philharmonic Orchestra present their Spring concert at Vernon Hills High School Auditorium!

Accelerando Strings and Philharmonic Orchestra Spring Concert 2023

Vernon Hills High School

### Event Description: RSO at the Arcade

**Date and Time:**
- **Saturday, April 5, 2025**
- **7:30 PM - 9:30 PM**

**Location:**
- **Coronado Performing Arts Center**
- **314 North Main Street, Rockford, IL, 61101, United States**

**Event Overview:**
Join the Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO) for an unforgettable evening of cinematic music inspired by contemporary video games. This unique concert will be conducted by Benjamin Firer and will feature the symphonic sounds that have become synonymous with modern gaming experiences. 

Adding a nostalgic twist, Rockfordian Joel Baer’s Blueshift Big Band will perform Big Band interpretations of vintage video game music, creating a bridge between the past and present of video game soundtracks.

**Ticket Information:**
- **Subscription:** Available now
- **Single Tickets:** On sale starting July 1

**Tags:**
- Grand 24-25
- Platinum 24-25
- 24-25 Season
- Pops 24-25
- Family

**Additional Information:**
- **Map:** [Google Maps Link]
- **Calendar Integration:** [Google Calendar] [ICS]

Experience the fusion of video game culture and symphonic music in a night that promises to be both innovative and nostalgic. Don’t miss out on this unique event that celebrates the evolving landscape of music in contemporary media.

Benjamin Firer

Conductor

Events

Upcoming events

Apr 5, 2025

RSO at the Arcade · Rockford Symphony Orchestra

Past events

May 12, 2024

YSO Finale Concert · Quad City Symphony Orchestra

Apr 28, 2024

QCSO/QCSYE Side-by-Side Concert · Quad City Symphony Orchestra

Future and recently performed repertoire

Conductor in Montgomery Variations by Bonds

Quad City Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Poem for Flute and Orchestra by Griffes

Quad City Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Hold fast to dreams by Wilson

Quad City Symphony Orchestra

About

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