2023-2024 Subscription Brochure

Espressivo music of passion and joy

The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra has been a centerpiece of the Lowcountry’s vibrant musical scene for over four decades. Next season’s Orchestra Series brings a fresh take on the classics, as well as inspirational pieces, likely new to you, in an engaging and informal environment of shared discovery. Passion and joy spring from every moment with your HHSO. Beloved symphonies by Berlioz, Brahms, and Mozart; dazzling concerti by Liszt, Grieg, Tchaikovsky, Richard Strauss, and Piazzolla; and an eclectic mix of works by Wagner, Márquez, Rachmaninoff, Bernard Herrmann, Coleridge-Taylor, Bach, Jessie Montgomery, Borodin and newly minted Pulitzer winner Michael Abels, will be performed in the intimately powerful setting of Hilton Head Island’s First Presbyterian Church. The season’s capstone is Beethoven’s towering Ninth Symphony with its magnificent finale, the “Ode to Joy,” featuring the resplendent Claflin University Chorus, HHSO Chorus, and soloists from the Sherrill Milnes Savannah VOICE Experience. Two brilliant young winners from the Hilton Head International Piano Competition are featured this season, as well as the eagerly awaited return of effervescent violinist Tessa Lark, Sphinx Competition winner Brandon Leonard, and the HHSO debut of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Principal French Horn, Jennifer Montone. Join us and our virtuoso musicians who gather each month for Espressivo—music of passion and joy as we share in the exhilaration of great music-making together.

John Morris Russell Music Director

Alan Jordan President and CEO

FallSYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS “HOLLYWOOD IN THE LOWCOUNTRY”

Outdoor Pops Concerts FREE

MARTIN FAMILY PARK, BLUFFTON

(part of the Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival)

FREE! THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2023, 7:30 PM

LOWCOUNTRY CELEBRATION PARK AT COLIGNY, HILTON HEAD ISLAND

FREE! FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, Conductor

A tribute to the music of Hollywood, including iconic scores associated with our corner of the world. Music from classic movies featuring themes from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Forrest Gump, and The Prince of Tides, epic action and adventure soundtracks, and sweeping romantic scores create an evening of sonic technicolor. FREE lawn seating--bring a blanket or chair, a picnic dinner and enjoy the HHSO al fresco. HILTON HEAD ISLAND ONLY—LIMITED table seating $50/person. Call (843) 842-2055 for reservations.

Photo: John Mastroianni provided by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

2023-2024 Orchestra Series

Nine programs with choice between pairs of concerts on SUNDAYS AT 4:00 PM and MONDAYS AT 7:30 PM

All concerts are at First Presbyterian Church 540 William Hilton Parkway (Business Route 278)

SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2023, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2023, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, Conductor

Bernard Herrmann Suite from Psycho

Michael Abels Suite from Us

James Stephenson Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Hector Berlioz Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14

Get ready for an evening of evocative, spine-tingling orchestral music that will put you in the mood for Halloween. Berlioz’ programmatic masterpiece, the dramatic story of an artist’s self-destructive passion for a beautiful woman, is a one-of-a-kind concert experience full of dreams, ecstasy, and despair.

ILLIA OVCHARENKO PLAYS LISZT

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, Conductor

Illia Ovcharenko, Piano

Richard Wagner Overture to The Flying Dutchman, WWV 63

Franz Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1, S.124, E-flat Major

Franz Liszt Piano Concerto No. 2, S.125, A Major

Richard Wagner Prelude to Die Meistersinger, WWV 96

Praised as “technically flawless and impeccably musical” (International Piano), Ukrainian pianist Illia Ovcharenko, second prize winner of the 2022 Hilton Head International Piano Competition, returns to the HHSO stage to play not one, but two concertos composed by classical music’s original rock star.

HOLIDAY POPS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2023, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, Conductor

Joseph Parrish, Baritone

Audrey Goodner, Violin, 2023 HHSO Youth Concerto Competition Winner

Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus

Acclaimed baritone Joseph Parrish and HHSO Youth Concerto Competition winner

Audrey Goodner join Maestro Russell and the HHSO Chorus in a program of holiday favorites, old and new. Brilliant orchestral showpieces, and music of the deepest heart and beauty, highlight the Lowcountry’s most beloved holiday tradition.

Photo: TheFrenchGuy Photography

Photo: TheFrenchGuy Photography

GRIEG AND BRAHMS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2024, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, Conductor

Zhonghua Wei, Piano

2023 Hilton Head International Piano Competition Winner

Alexander Borodin In the Steppes of Central Asia

Edward Grieg Piano Concerto, Op. 16, A minor

Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 2, Op. 73, D Major

The HHSO welcomes back Zhonghua Wei, winner of the 2023 HHIPC, to perform the Grieg piano concerto, one of the most popular in the entire genre. A rising star, this remarkable 14-year old artist will be competing in the Cliburn Junior Competition in June.

BACH, MOZART, AND BRANDON LEONARD

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2024, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024, 7:30 PM

Vinay Parameswaran, Conductor

Brandon Leonard, Cello

Johann Sebastian Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, BWV 1048, G Major Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33, TH 57

Jessie Montgomery Strum

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony No. 38, K.504, D Major, “Prague”

Brandon Leonard returns to the HHSO stage after winning the Gold Medal at the Sphinx Competition, Junior Division (2023). Guest Conductor Parameswaran recently concluded five seasons as an Assistant Conductor with the Cleveland Orchestra and is widely praised for his “ability to find sensitivity in scores that many do not detect.” (Philadelphia Enquirer)

JOHN WILLIAMS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2024, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, Conductor

The most critically acclaimed composer of our time, John Williams has won 25 GRAMMYS and 5 Oscars, with a total of 53 Academy Award nominations to his credit. We celebrate his birthday in style with some of his most endearing and enduring scores, including music from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and the Raiders film franchises.

SYMPHONIC DANCES OF RACHMANINOFF AND COLERIDGE-TAYLOR

SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2024, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2024, 7:30 PM

David Amado, Conductor

Jennifer Montone, Horn

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Rhapsodic Dance No. 1, Op. 75, “The Bamboula”

Richard Strauss Horn Concerto No. 1, TrV 117, Op. 11, E-flat Major

Sergei Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances, Op. 45

Sergei Rachmaninoff Men’s Dance from Aleko

Guest conductor David Amado, long-time Music Director of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, conducts the HHSO in a lively program of symphonic dances. He is joined by Jennifer Montone, principal hornist with the Philadelphia Orchestra and a GRAMMY winner. Ms. Montone is on the faculties of both The Juilliard School and The Curtis Institute.

TESSA LARK AND PIAZZOLLA’S FOUR SEASONS OF BUENOS AIRES

SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 2024, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2024, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, Conductor

Tessa Lark, Violin

Ruperto Chapí y Lorente Preludio from La Revoltosa

Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga Symphony in D

Astor Piazzolla The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires

Arturo Márquez Danzón No. 2

What do you get when you combine a classically trained violinist who has bluegrass roots and Brazilian tango music? Join us in welcoming back Tessa Lark, one of the most captivating artistic voices of our time, for what will be a very special concert.

ODE TO JOY

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2024, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, Conductor

Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus

Claflin University Concert Choir, Dr. Charles Toomer, Director

SERIES FINALE

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 9, Op. 125, D minor, “Choral”

“This singular work expresses Beethoven’s deepest desire for unity, hope, and joy among all people. Its spiritual essence invokes our connectedness between earth and heaven, of humanity and the divine.” – John Morris Russell

Photo: Lauren Desberg

Photo: TheFrenchGuy Photography

OTHER 2023-2024 SEASON Special Events

SPECIAL BLUFFTON HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2022, 7:00 PM | St. Gregory The Great Catholic Church Parish Life Center

HHSO YOUTH CONCERTO COMPETITION

Saturday, January 27, 2024, 1:00 pm, SoundWaves

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-prize winner receives an opportunity to perform with the HHSO the following season. The HHSO presents this competition as an encouragement to the next generation to pursue their musical aspirations.

BRAVOPIANO! FESTIVAL

Presented by The Hilton Head International Piano Competition

Thursday, February 29 - Monday, March 4, 2024

Announcing BravoPiano! 2024, our triennial festival, this year showcasing the piano’s countless collaborative capabilities. It will feature outstanding HHIPC alumni—both prize-winners and judges—as well as prominent jazz pianists performing in a variety of ensemble settings. Our finale concert is a spectacular three-concerto extravaganza with the HHSO and Maestro John Morris Russell entitled Rhapsody and Fantasy, featuring Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue (in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the premiere) and Rachmaninoff’s thrilling Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.

Spring

SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS “DEAS GUYZ GO SYMPHONIC!”

FREE Outdoor Pops Concert

LOWCOUNTRY CELEBRATION PARK AT COLIGNY, HILTON HEAD ISLAND

FREE! Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 7:30 pm

John Morris Russell, Conductor Deas Guyz

Join us for an evening of Motown, “Great American Soul Book,” and symphonic funk with Reggie Deas and his incomparable band. Music by Nat King Cole, Sam and Dave, James Brown and Ray Charles as well as everyone’s favorite Beach Music under the stars at Coligny. FREE lawn seating–bring a blanket or chair, a picnic dinner and enjoy the HHSO al fresco—LIMITED table seating $50/person. Call (843) 842-2055 for reservations.

INVEST IN YOUR ORCHESTRA

Make a tax-deductible contribution with your ticket order to support HHSO programs.

Compound your gift by giving through the Heritage Foundation which will match your gift by 20%

SELECT YOUR LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Friend: Up to $249

• Acknowledgement in HHSO Program

Supporter: $250+

• All of the benefits listed above plus

• HHSO Euro Sticker

Principal: $500+

• All of the benefits listed above plus

• Complimentary glass of wine or beer at a SoundWaves presentation

Artist’s Circle: $1,000+

• All of the benefits listed above plus

• Preferred Concert Seating

Concertmaster’s Circle: $2,500+

• All of the benefits listed above plus

• Invitation to Annual Individual Donor Reception at SoundWaves

Conductor’s Circle: $5,000+

• All of the benefits listed above plus

• Two Guest Passes to a concert performance

Chairman’s Circle: $7,500+

• All of the benefits listed above plus

• Reserved VIP Parking Decal

Silver Baton Circle: $10,000+

• All of the benefits listed above plus

• Private breakfast or lunch with Alan Jordan

Gold Baton Circle: $15,000+

• All of the benefits listed above plus

• Special reserved seating at the Fall and Spring Symphony Under The Stars performances

Platinum Baton Circle: $20,000+

• All of the benefits listed above plus

• Private dinner with John Morris Russell

Diamond Baton Circle: $25,000+

• All of the benefits listed above plus

• Private concert for up to twelve guests at SoundWaves

ORCHESTRA SERIES TICKET INFORMATION

You may choose a series of nine, six, or three concerts from any of the Orchestra Series performance dates.

All ticket holders will be assigned seats according to:

• Your concert series of choice;

• Date of postmark or telephone order; and

• Level of support.

TICKET CATEGORIES

Wing Left Rows 3-4

Wing Right Rows 1-5

Category C Wing Left #1 Rows 5-9 Wing Left #2 Rows 2-9 Wing Right #1 Rows 6-8

Wing Right #2 Rows 1-8

NINE CONCERTS (Full Subscription)

Seat Preference: A $612 B $441 C $198

Choose nine concerts; receive confirmed seats for the season; receive early notification of special events to purchase designated seats.

SIX CONCERT PACKAGE

Seat Preference: A $408 B $294 C $132

Choose six concerts; seats determined after full subscription seats have been assigned.

THREE CONCERT PACKAGE

Seat Preference: A $204 B $147 C $69

Choose three concerts; seats determined after full and six concert subscription seats have been assigned.

Photos: thefrenchguyphotography