The Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO) is one of three orchestras selected by the League of American Orchestras as a lead orchestra in the League’s third Toulmin orchestra consortium to premiere a new work by Angel Lam during the 2026-27 concert season.
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program is an initiative of the League of American Orchestras, in partnership with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. The program seeks to increase the programming of works by women and nonbinary composers on orchestra stages.
The three composers and lead orchestras include:
- Angel Lam and Quad City Symphony Orchestra
- Leanna Primiani and ROCO
- Stacy Garrop and Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra
Six additional orchestras will be invited to receive $2,500 in support to join the consortium for performances in 2026-27, resulting in a total of nine orchestras performing three newly commissioned works.
“The QCSO strives to bring voices of remarkable depth and diversity to our community, and Angel Lam’s music embodies that aspiration perfectly,” said QCSO Music Director and Conductor Mark Russell Smith. “Her ability to weave deeply personal stories with profound musicality creates a unique and transformative experience for audiences. We are thrilled to lead this consortium and to bring her extraordinary artistry to life on our stage.”
“We are deeply honored to be chosen as a lead orchestra for this round of Toulmin commissions,” said QCSO Executive Director Brian Baxter. “This opportunity enables us to shine a spotlight on Angel Lam’s extraordinary talent and to bring her breathtaking music back to the Quad Cities in a big way. The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation’s visionary commitment to amplifying diverse and exceptional musical voices is nothing short of transformative, offering composers the platform to share their stories through the power of the orchestra. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the League of American Orchestras and the American Composers Orchestra for their dedication and remarkable efforts in bringing this vital commission to life.”
Angel Lam is a GRAMMY-nominated composer who uses the beauty of sounds, songs, instrumentation, and written language to express detailed emotions and her passion for life. She tells intimate stories about life and death, growing up, inspirations and relationships. Her compositions are praised as “Timeless” (by Carnegie Hall), “Precious, soaring lyrical lines” (Metropolitan Opera, Opera News), and “both poignant and important.” (Yo-Yo Ma)
She has a background in both classical and folk music, learning zheng and qin (ancient Chinese zithers) as a child. Her work combines evocative songs, deeply felt, hidden memories, an exploration of human experiences, and her immersed sensitivity to spirituality.
In 2022, the QCSO was selected to be a presenting orchestra in the Toulmin Commission’s inaugural consortium to present Angel Lam’s Please let there be a paradise…. This work will have its Quad Cities premiere on April 5 & 6, 2025 on the QCSO’s upcoming Masterworks VI: Rhapsody in Blue concerts.
ABOUT THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN ORCHESTRAS
The League of American Orchestras leads, supports, and champions America’s orchestras and the vitality of the music they perform. Its diverse membership of more than 1,800 organizations and individuals across North America runs the gamut from world-renowned orchestras to community groups, from summer festivals to student and youth ensembles, from conservatories to libraries, from businesses serving orchestras to individuals who love symphonic music. The national organization dedicated solely to the orchestral experience, the League is a nexus of knowledge and innovation, advocacy, and leadership advancement. Its conferences and events, award-winning Symphony magazine, website, and other publications inform people around the world about orchestral activity and developments. Founded in 1942 and chartered by Congress in 1962, the League links a national network of thousands of instrumentalists, conductors, managers and administrators, board members, volunteers, and business partners. Visit americanorchestras.org.
ABOUT THE QUAD CITY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Quad City Symphony Orchestra, based in Davenport, IA, is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the Quad Cities region by performing high-quality, live symphonic music that engages and entertains audiences. With a rich history dating back over a century, the QCSO continues to be a pillar of the arts in the community, showcasing world-class talent and fostering a love for classical music.