Quad City Symphony Orchestra 100 Years, 100 Cellos
The 2014-15 season marks the 100th Anniversary of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. To cap off our historic season which opened with an appearance by pianist André Watts and ends with a performance of Beethoven’s glorious Symphony #9 "Ode to Joy”, world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma will give a one-night-only performance with the QCSO on May 14, 2015. Inspired by his appearance, in recognition of our auspicious season, and benefitting the mission of the QCSO, Volunteers for Symphony launched "100 Years, 100 Cellos”, a fantastic collaboration of the art world and the music world that will place 100 painted (or decorated) cellos around the Quad Cities in the spring culminating with a ticketed event on May 29, 2015 (our actual anniversary) at the Figge Art Museum. At this event, the ticketed public will be able to see a display of all 100 cellos.
A live auction of 10 Lead cellos will be held at the Party of the Century in the gorgeous Gold Room at the Hotel Blackhawk preceding the Yo-Yo Ma concert on May 14. If you cannot attend the PotC Two celebrity cellos will also be available through online auction on this page.
The 100 (actually 101) cellos have been painted and are displayed around the community making a beautiful statement about the link between the visual and audio arts while bringing a powerful general awareness of the arts in the Quad Cities. In addition to the funds raised at both live and silent auctions of 10 cellos, the remaining cellos are sponsored at $1,000 each by individuals and businesses throughout the Quad Cities and beyond. A commemorative 100 Years, 100 Cellos book filled with photographs of all 100 cellos will be available for purchase at the end of year events.
The fundraising goal is to net $100,000 in support of QCSO music education programs. So many children benefit from the music we provide at no cost to the schools. These programs include School Engagement Tours and classroom visits, Symphony Day, Instruments for Kids and Students@Symphony. We also provide opportunities for young performers in our five orchestral training and performance ensembles (the QCSYEs).
We truly hope you will consider being part of "100 Years, 100 Cellos” and help celebrate the Quad City Symphony’s 100th Anniversary.
Even if you can't attend the events, please bid!
Even if you can't attend any of the live events, you may bid and win one of these beautiful cellos. All net proceeds support the education programs of the QCSO. This event has been the main heart and soul of the Volunteers for Symphony this season, the culmination of their effort to recognize this historic moment. Please help us lay the foundation for future generations of audiences and musicians.
(Cellos will be available for pick up on May 29 at the end of the Cello-bration. If you need to have your instrument shipped, a shipping charge will be added depending on your location.)
Some of our incredible works of art for sale!
