Welcome letter from HHSO’s CEO

WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

On behalf of the entire Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra family, welcome to the 27th Annual Hilton Head International Piano Competition and the 25th actual competition! (We have included two festivals during the run, in 2018 and 2021.) Normally, the requirements for producing letters in advance to accommodate program production timelines would not be an issue; but, in these unique times, we cannot anticipate events five or six weeks out with certainty. That said, we have proceeded over the past many months with the presumption that our competition will take place, in person, with 20 competitors from across the globe being able to get to Hilton Head Island; with generous patrons welcoming these competitors into their homes for ten days; with all the venues available to us for the various rounds; and with steadfast patrons feeling comfortable to attend live events.

Never before has the complication of this major undertaking — with all of its production details—been so apparent and remarkable. That our HHIPC staff and volunteers are able to bring this competition to fruition on schedule in March, 2022, is a testament to their dedication and passion. We are so grateful to everyone who has helped in pulling this off! Special tribute is due our HHIPC Director, Mona Huff, who has announced her retirement following the competition and all the post-competition activities. As a newbie — still! — Mona has always been the personification of the HHIPC for me. I know others started and cultivated this special annual event for our region, and we are truly grateful to all these people, but Mona has been the heart and soul (dare I say, the matriarch?) of the HHIPC for the last 12 years and we hope this competition will be one for her that is full of cherished memories for a long time. Whether you are a year-round or seasonal resident, or just visiting Hilton Head Island for the competition, we hope you will also take away wonderful memories of amazing performances. We are so grateful to Steinway & Sons; the Town of Hilton Head Island; our competition venues, our business sponsors and individual and foundation supporters; our home, dinner, and piano host families; our HHIPC volunteers; John Morris Russell and the HHSO musicians; our esteemed judges; our competitors; and everyone else who contributes to this special event. Please enjoy the 2022 Hilton Head International Piano Competition! Sincerely,

Alan Jordan President and CEO

ALAN JORDAN

PRESIDENT AND CEO HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA