Quad City Symphony Orchestra

10/27/2026

🎶 500 students — and we're just getting started!

At the QCSO, music education is about more than learning an instrument. It's about connecting through music, making friends, building confidence, and developing leadership skills that last a lifetime.

From private lessons to youth ensembles to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like this summer's Youth Symphony Orchestra tour of Spain and Portugal, there's so much for young musicians to discover.

We don't want to stop at 500. Our dream is to help even more children experience the joy and lifelong benefits of music. Next stop: 5,000!

💙 Could your child be part of the journey? Explore QCSO's education programs and enroll today on our website.

10/26/2026

🦁🎶 What a magical day!

This was an experience like no other! We loved seeing families spanning three and four generations come together to enjoy a classic film that continues to bring people of all ages together. We laughed, we cried, and we may have even caught a few of you singing under your breath. ❤️

Our pre-concert experience was full of energy, with plenty of candy, musical activities, and family fun alongside our friends at Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archives, Putnam Museum, Common Chord, and Adler Theatre.
Even Darth Vader took a turn with the violin! 🎻

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a day filled with music, memories, and a little Disney magic. This is what sharing the joy of music is all about!

A special shoutout to our sponsors, The Cultural Trust Adler Theatre Fund and GreenState Credit Union. Thank you for making QCSO at the Movies possible!

📸 Photo credit: Evan Sammons Photography

Disney Concerts

10/23/2026

If you haven’t heard about Disney's The Lion King in Concert you may be living under Pride Rock 🤣🪨🦁 Sorry, we had to.

We hope you’ll still join us for trick-or-treating at 12:30 and the concert at 2pm!

Purchase tickets online at our website or come early to get tickets onsite.

10/23/2026

Consider this your royal summons. 👑🦁

Simba and friends are headed to the Adler Theatre this weekend for Disney’s The Lion King in Concert!

Enjoy the complete animated film in HD with the QCSO performing the score LIVE!
🎶 Music you’ve loved for more than 30 years
❤️ One incredible afternoon for the whole family

Join us this Saturday, October 24, at 2:00 PM and experience the magic of Pride Rock from your seat in the Adler Theatre.

10/22/2026

🎶 More music. More often. Introducing QCSO Unlimited!

Your calendar just got a whole lot more musical.

With QCSO Unlimited, one affordable monthly membership gives you access to all QCSO concerts throughout the season, plus special perks that bring you even closer to the music!

✨ Solo: $15/month
✨ Duo: $25/month
✨ Ensemble: $35/month

🦁 And here's a little extra reason to join now! Sign up in time for The Lion King in Concert this Saturday, October 24, and you can reserve your tickets through your new Unlimited membership!

More concerts. More experiences. More reasons to say, “Let's go!”

🎟️ Find your Unlimited today! 🔗 in the comments

10/21/2026

🎷 On this day, October 21, 1947, jazz legend Duke Ellington and his orchestra performed at St. Ambrose University in what was then LeClaire Gymnasium, now Higgins Hall.

Just three days later, The Ambrosian News reported on Ellington’s thoughts about the future of American music. He expressed optimism, saying that the future looked bright because young musicians were bold enough to present new ideas to audiences not yet ready to accept them. His words still resonate nearly 80 years later.

This discovery is especially meaningful as the Quad City Symphony Orchestra prepares to perform Ellington’s Harlem for Masterworks II: CityScapes Home & Abroad.

It’s also fascinating to make this connection as we work alongside St. Ambrose University on Building Harmony, a collaborative capital campaign to build a new facility that will bring many of our music programs under one roof for rehearsals, lessons, and performances.

In 1947, Ellington recognized the importance of young musicians daring to explore new ideas. Today, we’re working to create a space where the next generation can develop their talents, discover new possibilities, and bring their own musical ideas to life.

Here’s to the music that connects our past, present, and future! 🎶

Experience Duke Ellington’s Harlem at Masterworks II: CityScapes Home & Abroad:
November 7: Adler Theatre
November 8: Centennial Hall, Augustana

10/21/2026

Make it a magical Saturday with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra!

Join us for Disney’s The Lion King in Concert on Saturday, October 24, at 2 p.m. at the Adler Theatre! Bring the whole family for an unforgettable musical adventure, plus a pre-concert experience packed with fun for all ages.

The fun starts at 12:30 p.m.! Come early for:
🍬 Candy
🎨 Face painting
📸 Photo booth
🎲 Interactive activities from QCSO, Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archives, Putnam Museum, Common Chord, and Adler Theatre.

Pre-concert experience: 12:30–2 p.m.
Concert: 2 p.m.
Location: Adler Theatre | All ages welcome!

🎟️ Purchase your concert tickets today and bring the whole family for a roaring good time!
No ticket needed for the pre-concert experience.

A special thank-you to The Cultural Trust Adler Theatre Fund and GreenState Credit Union for supporting QCSO at the Movies and helping bring these musical experiences to our community!

Disney Concerts

10/14/2026

A big thank-you to A Spotted Apron for choosing the Quad City Symphony Orchestra for their 3rd Thursday Thankfulness! 💙🎶

Be sure to check out A Spotted Apron on Thursday, October 15 and show them some love for supporting the arts in our community!

We are blessed with an incredible symphony orchestra, one of the oldest in the country, starting their 112th season! What a great pairing! QCSO will be the recipient of our 3rd Thursday Thankfulness on 15 October. 10% of sales will be given to them!

10/13/2026

Your October plans? Hakuna Matata. 😎🦁

No worries, we already know what you’re doing Saturday, October 24.

Join Simba, Nala, Timon, Pumbaa, and the QCSO for Disney’s The Lion King in Concert! Watch the complete animated film in HD while the orchestra performs the iconic score LIVE.

It’s our problem-free philosophy. 🎶

🎟 Purchase tickets on the QCSO website!

Concerts

10/08/2026

This November, take a musical journey from Paris to Harlem, Vienna, and right back home to the Quad Cities — all in one unforgettable concert.

✨ Mozart’s Paris
🎷 Duke Ellington’s Harlem
🇦🇹 von Suppé’s Vienna
🏙️ Jim Stephenson’s CitySpeaks, written especially for the Quad Cities

Pack your bags and join the Quad City Symphony Orchestra for Masterworks II: CityScapes — Home & Abroad.

📍 Nov. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Adler Theatre
📍 Nov. 8 | 2 p.m. | Centennial Hall, Augustana College