Quad City Symphony Resonant New Season in 2026-27 Programs
The Quad City Symphony Orchestra on Saturday announced its 112th season, themed “Resonate,” a vibrant celebration of musical connection, emotional depth, and the power of live performance, according to its season release. 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.
“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,” said Mark Russell Smith, music director and conductor. “I cannot wait to share these extraordinary musical experiences with the Quad Cities community.”
“Resonate reflects the heart of what the QCSO does best — creating powerful musical moments that stay with you long after the final note,” QCSO executive director Brian Baxter said in the release. “This season brings together thrilling performances, community traditions, and innovative programming that will inspire audiences of all ages.”
The Quad City Symphony presents its sixth and final Masterworks concerts of the 2025-26 season, Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12 (which will be at 2 p.m. at Centennial Hall, Rock Island).
Starting with the popular Riverfront Pops this summer, The Best of The Who at LeClaire Park Aug. 22, 2026, planned 2026-27 season includes the following:
MASTERWORKS
Masterworks I: Symphonie Fantastique
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Adler Theatre
Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 2:00 PM | Centennial Hall
Mark Russell Smith, conductor
- 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, conductor
- 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, conductor
- 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, conductor
- 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 director
- Giuseppe Verdi — The Force of Destiny Overture
- Johannes Brahms — Song of Destiny
- Samuel Barber — Adagio for Strings
- Richard Strauss — Death and Transfiguration
Mark Russell Smith is in his 18th season leading the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.
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, conductor
Program:
- Carlos Chávez — Sinfonía india
- Michael Abels — Cello Concerto
- Antonín Dvořák — Symphony No. 8
Plus a special WIU performance to be announced soon.
QUAD CITY BANK & TRUST RIVERFRONT POPS
The Best of The Who
Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 7:30 PM | LeClaire Park
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.
MOVIES IN CONCERT
Disney’s The Lion King — Live in Concert
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 2:00 PM | Adler Theatre
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.
Elf in Concert
Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM | Adler Theatre
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
Up Close I: Up Close with Lillian Lau
Saturday, January 16, 2027 | 7:30 PM | Figge Art Museum
- Lillian Lau, harp
- Special Guest: Emily Wren Baxter, harp
Up Close II: Up Close with Benjamin Coelho
Saturday, March 20, 2027 | 7:30 PM | Figge Art Museum
- Benjamin Coelho, bassoon
- Marian Lee, piano
- Special Guests: Matt Kowalczyk, bassoon; Noah Droessler, bassoon
Up Close III: Up Close with the QCSO Cello Section
Saturday, April 10, 2027 | 7:30 PM | Davenport Central Performing Arts Center
- Led by Hannah Holman, Principal Cello
- The Cello Section of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Up Close IV: Up Close with Naha, Emily, & Marian
Saturday, June 5, 2027 | 7:30 PM | Figge Art Museum
- Naha Greenholtz, violin
- Emily Nash, violin
- Marian Lee, piano
QCSO violinists Naha Greenholtz, left, and Emily Nash are featured with QCSO conductor and music director on marketing material for the new 2026-27 season announced April 11, 2026.
SPECIAL EVENTS
- The Queen’s Soirée
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | Figge Art Museum
- 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.
- 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.
Season subscriptions and single ticket‑ options will be available soon. Patrons are encouraged to secure their seats early for the best pricing and availability. Visit qcso.org or contact the QCSO Box Office at 563-322-7276 for more information.
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