Welcome
TO THE HHSO
The HHSO aspires to be the “go-to” place for all things musical in the Lowcountry. Our coming season includes symphonic classical and pops concerts, jazz, cabarets, Gullah Geechee culture, piano, chamber music, and much more! Renowned for its exceptional performances and passion for music, the orchestra’s dedication to musical excellence and community engagement has solidified its reputation as a cultural cornerstone on Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and beyond. We welcome you to our exciting 2024-2025 season.
M— John Morris Russell, Music Director “
usic making deeply connects us with one another, as musicians and audiences—it expresses some of the most profound human feelings, and opens hearts to the beauty around us.”
Our GRAMMY®-nominated Music Director, John Morris Russell (or JMR as he likes to be called), has devoted himself to redefining the American orchestra experience. JMR is as at home on the podium with a 70-piece classical orchestra conducting a Beethoven symphony as he is collaborating with top-tier Broadway stars at our legendary “Symphony Under the Stars” pops concerts. Maestro Russell is also conductor of the renowned Cincinnati Pops and Principal Pops Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic. We are fortunate he calls the Lowcountry home from October to April.
Photo: Mark Lyons
Photo: Mike Ritterbeck
Orchestra Series
PERFORMANCES
OCTOBER - APRIL
Our season includes nine pairs of Orchestra Series concerts at First Presbyterian Church on Hilton Head Island.
Highlights include:
• We open the season with Tchaikovsky’s triumphant Symphony No. 4
• American Experience – two quintessentially American works are presented side-by-side
• The Lowcountry’s favorite Holiday tradition returns with the Hilton Head Dance Theatre in a performance of the Nutcracker
• Jaime Laredo and Friends performing Beethoven’s Triple Concerto
• Kurt Weill’s The Seven Deadly Sins with stars from Wolf Trap Opera
• A Judy Garland Celebration: “Get Happy!”
• Carl Orff’s decadent Carmina Burana
• Vivaldi’s timeless The Four Seasons and Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Symphony
• Debussy’s iconic La Mer and pianist Enrique Graf
SEPTEMBER - JUNE
SoundWaves is the official headquarters of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra that also includes a fabulous intimate performance space. Each year, the program offerings continue to grow to wide acclaim and include the ever-popular Coastal Home Supper Club Series and the Gullah Geechee Cultural Series. SoundWaves also hosts a number of other important events throughout the season, including the HHSO Youth Concerto Competition, the HHIPC BravoPiano! Recital Series, and the annual Chamber Music Institute.
Supper Club
PROGRAMSYouth
We strive to develop unique partnerships with community organizations and area schools to offer numerous music education programs for the youth of the Lowcountry. And as a core component of our mission, some of the world’s best young and emerging artists are featured soloists on the majority of our season’s concert programming.
• Hilton Head International Piano Competition – one of the leading competitions in the United States, it operates with a three-year rotation of events. This year, adult pianists (aged 18 - 30) from all over the world will compete for cash and performance prizes, including a Carnegie Hall recital. This competition will be held March 10 – 17, 2025. Visit hhipc.org for more details.
• HHSO Youth Concerto Competition HHSO sponsors a Youth Concerto Competition for the Southeast Region of the United States. Finalists will perform for the judges and live audience on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
• Young Peoples Concerts – This musicin-schools educational program reaches thousands of Beaufort County’s elementary students. April 29, 2025
• Hilton Head Chamber Music Institute –Provides an intensive training program focused on the art of chamber music for students who have completed grades 8 through 12. June 11 - 21, 2025
Photo: frenchguy photography
2024-2025 SEASON Orchestra Series
BRUCH AND TCHAIKOVSKY
OPENING WEEKEND
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2024 at 4:00 PM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2024 at 7:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church
540 William Hilton Parkway
John Morris Russell, Conductor
Melissa White, Violin
Mikhail Glinka Ruslan and Lyudmila Overture
Max Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1
Piotr Ilych Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4
THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2024 at 4:00 PM
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2024 at 7:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church
540 William Hilton Parkway
John Morris Russell, Conductor
Duke Ellington The River
Antonín Dvořák Symphony No. 9, “From The New World”
HOLIDAY POPS HILTON HEAD
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2024 at 4:00 PM
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2024 at 7:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church
540 William Hilton Parkway
John Morris Russell, Conductor
Meredith Inglesby, Vocalist
Jaia Alli, Cello, 2024 Youth Concerto Competition Winner
Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Dr. Dustin Ousley, Director
White’s playing was breathtaking. I have no other words for the grace, precision, and warmth she brought to the stage.”
— MD Theater Guide
Dvořák and Ellington represent the past, present and future of American music— their infectious rhythmic drive, soulful harmonies and richly nuanced orchestration define the American sound.”
— John Morris Russell, Music Director
PURCHASE TICKETS
Hilton Head Dance Theatre – Karena BrockCarlyle and John Carlyle, Artistic Directors
Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker with the Hilton Head Dance Theatre, Broadway star Meredith Inglesby’s HHSO debut, and a captivating performance by Jaia Alli, our 2024 Youth Concerto Competition Winner, as she performs the Lalo Cello Concerto. Plus, don’t miss John Morris Russell’s unforgettable reading of “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” set to Elgar’s Nimrod Variation.
2024-2025 SEASON Orchestra Series
JAIME AND FRIENDS
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2025 at 4:00 PM
MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2025 at 7:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church
540 William Hilton Parkway
Jaime Laredo, Conductor and Violin
Sharon Robinson, Cello
Anna Polonsky, Piano
Johann Sebastian Bach Violin Concerto No. 1
Gabriel Fauré Elegy
Felix Mendelssohn Piano Concerto No. 1
Ludwig van Beethoven Concerto for Violin, Violoncello, and Piano, “Triple”
Laredo played with his trademark shimmering silvery sound, subtle nuances, and natural expressiveness…Robinson added passionate brilliance. Polonsky was the anchor with her solid technique and natural musicality.”
— Jim Lowe, Rutland Herald
THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 at 4:00 PM
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2025 at 7:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church
540 William Hilton Parkway
John Morris Russell, Conductor
Members of the Wolf Trap Opera
Hans Krása Overture
Darius Milhaud La création du monde (The Creation of the World)
Kurt Weill The Seven Deadly Sins
Kurt Weill and Berthold Brecht’s final masterpiece, The Seven Deadly Sins, is a unique “Ballet Chanté” featuring a cast of five exceptional singers and a dancer. These fully staged performances by the HHSO and the illustrious Wolf Trap Opera Company tells a darkly psychological story about the motivations and pitfalls of modern American life.
GET HAPPY! A JUDY GARLAND CELEBRATION
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2025 at 7:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church
540 William Hilton Parkway
John Morris Russell, Conductor
Joan Ellison, Songstress
“Judy Garland was more than a singer — she was an icon, a trailblazer and the preeminent purveyor of the Great American Songbook.” — Joan Ellison
“Joan Ellison IS Judy Garland — I have never experienced anyone who can come close to capturing Garland’s unique artistry and essence as she does.” — Cleveland Plain Dealer
“…Vocal prowess (and) organic grasp of the classic songs…” — Michael Feinstein
PURCHASE TICKETS
PURCHASE TICKETS
PURCHASE TICKETS
Photo: Beth Segal
2024-2025 SEASON Orchestra Series
CARL ORFF: CARMINA BURANA
SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2025 at 4:00 PM
MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025 at 7:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church
540 William Hilton Parkway
John Morris Russell, Conductor
HHSO Chorus, Dr. Dustin Ousley, Director
Claflin University Concert Choir, Dr. Charlie J. Toomer, Jr., Director
Statesboro Youth Chorale, Michael Roemer, Director
Carl Orff’s cantata, Carmina Burana, draws inspiration from medieval poetry and themes. The lyrics of “O Fortuna” express the idea of fate, the wheel of fortune, and the capriciousness of life.
One of the most deliciously decadent and thrilling works for chorus and orchestra, Carmina expresses a kaleidoscope of emotions and enchantment.” — John Morris Russell
With classical voices presented by the Savannah VOICE Festival
PURCHASE TICKETS
MENDELSSOHN AND VIVALDI
SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2025 at 4:00 PM
MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2025 at 7:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church
540 William Hilton Parkway
Jeri Lynne Johnson, Conductor
Adé Williams, Violin
Michael Abels More Seasons
Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4, “Italian”
Antonio Vivaldi The Four Seasons
Johnson’s conducting is both stylish and powerful” — Philadelphia Inquirer
Adé is a Chicagoland wunderkind … known not only as a one-name performer but also as one singular sensation … played with a sweet tone and strength of character.” — The Grand Rapids Press
SERIES FINALE
LA MER AND ENRIQUE GRAF
SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2025 at 4:00 PM
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025 at 7:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church
540 William Hilton Parkway
John Morris Russell, Conductor
Enrique Graf, Piano
Claude Debussy Prélude à “L’après-midi d’un faune” (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Piano Concerto No. 17
Claude Debussy La Mer (The Sea)
PURCHASE TICKETS
One of the brilliant pianists of our times.”— The Washington Post PURCHASE TICKETS
2024-2025 SEASON Special Events
UNDER THE STARS “COUNTRY DIVAS” Fall
SYMPHONY
MARTIN FAMILY PARK, BLUFFTON
(part of the Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival)
FREE! THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024, 7:30 PM
LOWCOUNTRY CELEBRATION PARK AT COLIGNY, HILTON HEAD ISLAND
FREE! FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024, 7:30 PM
The Country Divas—three exceptional singers, join the HHSO and JMR in a celebration of the roots of country music. Classic songs made famous by Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Tanya Tucker and Dolly Parton as well as the rollicking sounds of the HHSO, will put the “Country” in Lowcountry.
Featured selections include spectacular arrangements of beloved songs of Steven Foster, gospel favorite “Amazing Grace”, and the music of Aaron Copland. Tegan Miller and Gretchen Stelzer, best known for their sold-out performances at the SoundWaves Supper Club series, will be joined by Cincinnati sensation, Vee Gibson—all making their HHSO debuts. These FREE concerts at Martin Family Park in Bluffton, and Celebration Park on HHI mark the beginning of the HHSO concert season and are a love letter to music fans of all ages.
John Morris Russell, Conductor; Vee Gibson, Tegan Miller, and Gretchen Kristine Stelzer, vocalists
The season kicks off with two outdoor pops concerts in Bluffton and on Hilton Head. FREE lawn seating— bring a blanket or chair, a picnic, and enjoy the HHSO al fresco. LIMITED TABLE SEATING AVAILABLE FOR BOTH PERFORMANCES. Call (843) 842-2055 for information.
HOLIDAY POPS BLUFFTON
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2024, 7:00 PM
St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Bluffton
John Morris Russell, Conductor
Meredith Inglesby, Vocalist
Jaia Alli, Cello, 2024 Youth Concerto Competition Winner
Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Dr. Dustin Ousley, Director
Enjoy Broadway star Meredith Inglesby’s HHSO debut, and a captivating performance by Jaia Alli, our 2024 Youth Concerto Competition Winner, as she performs the Lalo Cello Concerto. Plus, don’t miss John Morris Russell’s unforgettable reading of “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” set to Elgar’s Nimrod Variation.
2024-2025 SEASON Special Events
HHSO YOUTH CONCERTO COMPETITION
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2025, 1:00 PM, ST. LUKE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, HILTON HEAD ISLAND
The HHSO Youth Concerto Competition has been attracting the most talented young musicians from throughout the southeastern United States since 2009. In addition to cash awards to all finalists, the first-place winner receives an opportunity to perform with the HHSO. Tickets available at hhso.org.
HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION
MONDAY, MARCH 10 – MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2025
The 27th competition featuring twenty of the world’s finest pianists, ages 18-30. Four exciting rounds of competition over eight days before an internationally renowned panel of jurors, leading to a performance of three full concertos with the HHSO and the three finalists. The Road to Carnegie Hall begins on Hilton Head. Tickets available in January, 2025, at hhipc.org.
SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS “EVENING OF ELEGANCE WITH JAY DREF”
LOWCOUNTRY CELEBRATION PARK AT COLIGNY, HILTON HEAD ISLAND
FREE! Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 7:30 pm
John Morris Russell, Conductor; Jay Dref, vocalist
Classical Crossover sensation, Jay Dref joins JMR and the HHSO for a thrilling evening of “POPera”, American Songbook and Broadway hits. Steeped in the suave style of Josh Groban, Frank Sinatra and Andrea Bocelli, Jay Dref tours world-wide with legendary diva, Sarah Brightman. The program includes favorites by Andrew Lloyd Webber, themes from films Cinema Paradiso and The Godfather, songs from Les Mis, Chess, and Camelot, as well as classic swing tunes by Gershwin.
