A MUSICAL FEAST

Thanks to all who attended “Musical Feast,” the benefit for the HHIPC held January 18, 2023, at the Sonesta Resort. Last year’s Jubilee celebrating 75 years—40 for the HHSO, 10 for John Morris Russell, and 25 for the HHIPC—set a high bar. “Musical Feast” 2023 did not disappoint!

This year’s audience of nearly 150 was highly appreciative of the excellent food and especially of our magnificent performers who shared their artistry across a range of genres —pianist Ran Dank and HHSO trio members Nina Sandberg (violin), Daniel Mumm (cello), and Chee-Hang See (piano). Tenor Bernard Holcomb was joined by Chee-Hang to close the evening in style.

Ran Dank is an HHIPC alum, having won the competition in 2008. Mr. Holcomb, a much sought-after vocalist, was in town as one of the soloists for the HHSO’s January concert, the magnificent oratorio “Elijah.” It was a special pleasure to be able to feature musicians from our own orchestra (Nina and Daniel), in collaboration with Chee-Hang on piano. In addition, there was a heartfelt tribute to our recently retired director, Mona Huff, in celebration of her 12 years of devoted leadership.

Special thanks to those who donated the live auction items, the people who bid on them, and to the stellar committee members who made it happen.

“Musical Feast” is rapidly becoming one of HHI’s most sought after tickets. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year!

FEI-FEI IN RECITAL MAY 11

What an honor it will be to welcome Fei-Fei back to Hilton Head. Her performance at SoundWaves on Thursday, May 11 will conclude the HHIPC’s 2022-2023 Recital Series. We first met Fei-Feii as a 20-year-old when she competed here in 2012, winning a medal as one of the six semi-finalists. She impressed audiences with her talent, warmth and charm, and has returned to the Lowcountry several times, adding her artistry to the inaugural BravoPiano! Festival in 2018 and then a year later for our “Musical Feast” benefit. Major accomplishments since competing here include winning the Concert Artists Guild Competition (affording her professional management from our very own Director Steve Shaiman, who was Senior VP of Artist Management at CAG at the time), and she was a finalist at the 2013 Van Cliburn International Competition, where she was prominently featured in the documentary made about the competition, “Virtuosity.” FeiFei maintains an active concert schedule in the US, Europe, and Asia. She is pursuing a Doctoral of Music Arts degree at the Manhattan School of Music with Yefim Bronfman.

This is an evening you will not want to miss! Tickets available at hhipc.org or by calling the HHSO office (843) 842-2055.

Cincinnati Enquirer

Masterclasses and evening concerts with guest artists Ying Li, Sullivan Fortner, Anthony de Mare and John O’Conor; performance opportunities and more.

Competition First Prize: $5,000 and performance with SC Philharmonic; Second Prize $2,500; Third Prize $1,500

The University of South Carolina School of Music presents The 2023 Southeastern Piano Festival and Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition

June 11-17, 2023 for pianists 13-18

Featuring lessons with USC piano faculty

Application information at SoutheasternPianoFestival.com Deadline to apply: March 15, 2023

Phillip Bush, Artistic Director • Caroline Earp, Executive Administrator

SAVE THE DATES!

Ray Ushikubo Plays Beethoven With The Hhso

SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2023 4:00 PM

MONDAY, MARCH 27, 2023 7:00 PM

First Presbyterian Church

The HHSO is thrilled to welcome Ray Ushikubo, first prize winner of the Young Artist Competition in 2017, back to the stage. He will play Beethoven’s Concerto No. 1 under the baton of Guest Conductor Michelle Merrill. Don’t miss the pre-concert talk one hour prior to the concert.

FEI-FEI IN RECITAL

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023, 7:30 PM

SOUNDWAVES

A competitor at the HHIPC in 2012, Fei-Fei returns to the Lowcountry for the final special event of the season. Read about Fei-Fei on page 73.

“MOVIE NIGHT”

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2023

SOUNDWAVES

Private Event for 88 Key Society and Pay For A Piper Members

Details to be announced

2023 WINNER’S RETURN ENGAGEMENT

This year’s winner will return to play with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra during the 2023-2024 season. Dates to be announced.

BRAVOPIANO! FESTIVAL

FEBRUARY 29 – MARCH 4, 2024

The Hilton Head International Piano Competition announces the return of BravoPiano!—a festival spotlighting outstanding former prize winners of the HHIPC, as well as other famous pianists, as they perform in solo recitals and ensembles. Especially exciting will be the continuation of a jazz thread woven throughout the week. Specific events and artists to be announced. We return to a competition format in 2025.

Tickets for the Ushikubo concert and Fei-Fei’s recital on sale at hhso.org or call the Box Office (843) 843-2055.