QSO Finale to Honor Great American Orchestral Music

QSO Finale to Honor Great

American Orchestral Music

QSOA: AMERICAN SALUTE Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 pm Morrison Auditorium QJHS

Join Quincy Symphony Orchestra to honor the rich heritage expressed in great American orchestral music during the “American Salute” concert on Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 pm at Quincy Junior High School’s Morrison Auditorium.

This concert explores the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln through Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait.” This beautiful orchestral work features soaring melodies with particular emphasis on the brass section at climatic moments.

State Senator Jil Tracy will narrate excerpts of Lincoln’s words from The Gettysburg Address, his debates with Stephen Douglas and other speeches.

Senator Jil Tracy

Another of Copland’s masterpieces, “Old American Songs,” includes “The Boatman's Dance,” “I Bought Me a Cat,” “At the River,” and others. This beautiful medley features the rich baritone of soloist Ricardo Sepúlveda.

Sepúlveda’s solo marks his return to the Quincy stage; he previously performed

with The Muddy River Opera Company as Marcello in Puccini’s, “La Bohème” and as Zuniga in Bizet’s, “Carmen.”

Ricardo Sepúlveda

He has performed with several companies in the United States and in his native Puerto Rico. Sepúlveda holds degrees from the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico and from the University of Illinois. He joined

Western Illinois University as Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera in 2017, after seven years in the faculty of Millikin University.

The orchestra will also perform other popular American musical pieces from “The King and I,” “The Music Man,” and “American Salute.”

Tickets for American Salute will be available at the door or in advance at

Quincy HyVee, County Market, Sturhahn Jewelers or the symphony office. Tickets are $15 for seniors and $18

for adults. Children 18 and under are admitted free to all QSO concerts. Current students, faculty and staff of John Wood Community College, Quincy University, Hannibal-LaGrange University and Culver-Stockton College are admitted free by showing their school identification. Visit qsoa.org or call QSOA at 217-222-2856 for more information.

A second performance of “American Salute,” will be held at 3 pm Sunday, April 14 at the Grand Theatre in Keokuk, Iowa. That performance requires a separate ticket, available at keokukconcertassociation.org.

Grand Prize Drawing Will Take Place at Finale Concert

The $1000 Grand Prize Drawing for the 14th Annual QSOA Raffle will be held at the conclusion of the intermission. Raffle proceeds support the many programs of the QSOA, including the youth orchestra and youth chorus, as well as in-school concerts for over 3500 students. The grand prize and additional prizes including two round trip plane tickets to Chicago, two tickets to “Hamilton” in Chicago and two QSOA season tickets will be awarded. Raffle tickets are $10 each or 12/$100 and may be purchased at the concert, in advance from any orchestra, chorus, Encore! or Symphony Board member, or by calling the Symphony office at 217-222-2856.