IA/IL QUAD-CITIES – The Quad City Symphony Orchestra proudly announces its 112th Season: Resonate — a vibrant celebration of musical connection, emotional depth, and the power of live performance. From blockbuster movies in concert and electrifying symphonic masterworks to intimate chamber experiences and beloved community traditions, the 2026–27 season invites audiences to feel the music more deeply than ever before.
Quotes
Mark Russell Smith, Music Director & Conductor
“I am so excited to present the QCSO’s 26/27 season. Each program has been crafted to resonate emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually with our audiences. I cannot wait to share these extraordinary musical experiences with the Quad Cities community.”
Brian Baxter, Executive Director
“Resonate reflects the heart of what the QCSO does best — creating powerful musical moments that stay with you long after the final note. This season brings together thrilling performances, community traditions, and innovative programming that will inspire audiences of all ages.”
MASTERWORKS SERIES
All Masterworks Concerts are sponsored in part by the Regional Development Authority, Illinois Arts Council, Iowa Arts Council, and National Endowment for the Arts
Masterworks I: Symphonie Fntastique
October 3, 2026 | 7:30 pm | Adler Theatre
October 4, 2026 | 2:00 pm | Centennial HallMark Russell Smith, conductor
Program:
- Antonín Dvořák — Carnival Overture
- Ludwig van Beethoven — Piano Concerto No. 4
- Hector Berlioz — Symphonie Fantastique
Masterworks II: Cityscapes: Home & Abroad
Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Adler Theatre
Sunday, November 8, 2026 | 2:00 PM | Centennial Hall
Mark Russell Smith, conductorProgram:
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — Symphony No. 31 “Paris”
- Franz von Suppé — Morning, Noon, and Night in Vienna
- Duke Ellington — Harlem
- Jim Stephenson — CitySpeaks
Masterworks III: Season of Anticipation
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Adler Theatre
Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 2:00 PM | Bartlett Performing Arts Center
Mark Russell Smith, conductorProgram:
- Stacy Garrop — Penelope Waits
- Antonio Vivaldi — Autumn from The Four Seasons
- Astor Piazzolla — Autumn from The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires
- Franz Schubert — Symphony No. 9 “The Great”
Masterworks IV: Sibelius Symphony No. 1
Saturday, February 6, 2027 | 7:30 PM | Adler Theatre
Sunday, February 7, 2027 | 2:00 PM | Centennial Hall
Mark Russell Smith, conductorProgram:
- Benjamin Britten — Violin Concerto No. 1
- Jean Sibelius — Symphony No. 1
Masterworks V: Destiny Transfigured
Saturday, March 6, 2027 | 7:30 PM | Adler Theatre
Sunday, March 7, 2027 | 2:00 PM | Centennial Hall
Mark Russell Smith, conductor
With the Augustana Oratorio Society & Choral Artists
Eric Newell, choral directorProgram:
- Giuseppe Verdi — The Force of Destiny Overture
- Johannes Brahms — Song of Destiny
- Samuel Barber — Adagio for Strings
- Richard Strauss — Death and Transfiguration
Masterworks VI: Dvořák Symphony No. 8
Saturday, April 3, 2027 | 7:30 PM | Adler Theatre
Sunday, April 4, 2027 | 2:00 PM | Centennial Hall
Mark Russell Smith, conductorProgram:
- Carlos Chávez — Sinfonía india
- Michael Abels — Cello Concerto
- Antonín Dvořák — Symphony No. 8
Plus a special WIU performance to be announced soon.
POPS SERIES
Quad City Bank & Trust Riverfront Pops: The Best of The Who
August 22, 2026 | 7:30 pm | LeClaire ParkHisham Bravo Groover, conductor
Jeans ‘N ClassicsJoin us along the banks of the Mississippi for the Party of the Summer. Rock out in LeClaire Park as we celebrate the iconic music of The Who, featuring powerhouse hits including My Generation, Behind Blue Eyes, Pinball Wizard, Won’t Get Fooled Again, and more.
The evening concludes with our beloved Riverfront Pops tradition — Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever — accompanied by a brilliant fireworks finale lighting up the riverfront.
Sponsored by Quad City Bank & Trust
Disney’s The Lion King – Live in Concert
October 24, 2026 | 2:00 pm | Adler TheatreHisham Bravo Groover, conductor
Return to Pride Rock as the QCSO performs Hans Zimmer’s sweeping, Oscar®‑winning score live to the full 1994 animated classic in HD. Featuring beloved songs by Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice, along with the powerful African vocal and choral arrangements of Lebo M, Disney’s The Lion King becomes an immersive musical experience unlike any other.
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts. © All rights reserved.
Elf in Concert
November 26, 2026 | 2:00 pm | Adler Theatre
November 26, 2026 | 7:30 pm | Alder TheatreHisham Bravo Groover, conductor
Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised among Santa’s elves. As an adult, he travels to New York — in full elf uniform — in search of his real father.
This holiday season, relive this heartwarming comedy on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s delightful score is performed live to picture in Elf in Concert.
UP CLOSE
Chamber Music Series
Up Close Series sponsored by Susan Quail
Up Close with Lillian Lau
Saturday, January 16, 2027 | 7:30 PM | Figge Art Museum
Experience an intimate evening of expressive beauty of the Harp with Principal Harp Lillian Lau and special guest Emily Wren Baxter.
Artists:
- Lillian Lau, harp
- Special Guest: Emily Wren Baxter, harp
Up Close with Benjamin Coelho
Saturday, March 20, 2027 | 7:30 PM | Figge Art Museum
Experience an intimate evening at the Figge with Principal Bassoonist Benjamin Coelho and Pianist Marian Lee with special guests Matt Kowalczyk & Noah Droessler.
Artists:
- Benjamin Coelho, bassoon
- Marian Lee, piano
- Special Guests: Matt Kowalczyk, bassoon; Noah Droessler, bassoon
Up Close with the QCSO Cello Section
Saturday, April 10, 2027 | 7:30 PM | Davenport Central Performing Arts Center
Members of the QCSO Cello section led by Principal Cello Hannah Holman invites you to a wonderful evening at Davenport Central Performing Art’s Center.
Artists:
- Led by Hannah Holman, Principal Cello
- The Cello Section of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Up Close with Naha, Emily, & Marian
Saturday, June 5, 2027 | 7:30 PM | Figge Art Museum
Experience an enchanting evening at the Figge with Principal Violinist Naha Greenholtz, Violinist Emily Nash, and Pianist Marian Lee.
Artists:
- Naha Greenholtz, violin
- Emily Nash, violin
- Marian Lee, piano
SPECIAL EVENTS
Uncork the Season
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 5:30 PM | The Last Picture House
Celebrate the start of our 112th season at this special pre‑concert gathering! Enjoy delicious spirits and cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and great company before our thrilling opening Masterworks performance. It’s the perfect beginning to a spectacular evening of music with the QCSO.
Soriée:The Queen’s Soirée
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | Figge Art Museum
Dearest Gentle Reader,
This author has learned of a gathering so enchanting it promises to be the most anticipated fundraising event of the season. Whether delight or scandal awaits remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: those who fail to attend the Soirée may find themselves quite out of step with the ton. Until the next revelation, Lady Pennywhistle
Holiday Brass
Sunday, December 13, 2026 | 3:00 PM | St. Paul Lutheran Church
Ring in the holiday season with members of the QCSO Brass and Percussion sections! Under the direction of Maestro Mark Russell Smith, the ensemble is joined by organist Chris Nelson to perform uplifting selections of classical and holiday favorites.
The Planets — Family Concerts
Saturday, January 23, 2027 | 9:30 AM (Ages 0–7) & 11:30 AM (Ages 7+ and adults with special needs) | Spotlight Theatre
These concerts are out ‑of ‑this ‑world! Join the QCSO String Quartet for a morning of planet ‑themed music with narration and activities led by Quad Cities Music Therapy founder Misty Dais. Audiences of all ages will enjoy a 45-‑minute program designed to expand the imagination, explore new sounds, and spark curiosity through music.
TICKETS & SUBSCRIPTIONS
Ticket sales for 2026-27 Season Concerts open first to Subscribers on April 13, 2026, at 9:00 am. Single Tickets open to the public on May 19, 2026, at 9:00 am.
Quad City Symphony Orchestra tickets are available at the QCSO box office at 327 Brady St., Davenport. You can also call the QCSO at (563) 322-7276 or visit www.qcso.org.