2024-2025 Subscription Brochure

MUSIC for EVERYONE

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Music 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.”

— John Morris Russell, Music Director

he 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.

—Alan Jordan, President and CEO

Photo: Tina Gutierrez

Photo:

Photo: thefrenchguyphotography

2024-2025 Orchestra Series

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

THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

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

BRUCH AND TCHAIKOVSKY

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2024, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2024, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, Conductor

Melissa White, Violin

Mikhail Glinka Ruslan und Lyudmila Overture

OPENING WEEKEND

Max Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 26, G minor

Piotr Ilych Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4, Op. 36, TH 27, F minor

“White’s playing was breathtaking. I have no other words for the grace, precision, and warmth she brought to the stage.” — MD Theater Guide

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2024, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2024, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, Conductor

Duke Ellington The River

Antonín Dvořák Symphony No. 9, Op. 95, B.178, E minor, “From The New World”

“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

HOLIDAY POPS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2024, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2024, 7:30 PM

Bluffton concert

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2024, 7:00 PM

St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Bluffton

John Morris Russell, Conductor

Jaia Alli, Cello, 2024 Youth Concerto Competition Winner

Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus

Hilton Head Dance Theatre – Karena Brock-Carlyle and John Carlyle, Artistic Directors

Holiday Pops has become our annual family tradition and the highlight of the holiday season. The musical performances are breathtaking, deeply moving and so much fun!

SEVEN DEADLY SINS

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2025, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, Conductor Members of the Wolf Trap Opera

Hans Krása Overture for Small Orchestra

Darius Milhaud La création du monde, Op. 81

(The Creation of the World)

Kurt Weill Seven Deadly Sins

JAIME AND FRIENDS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2025, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2025, 7:30 PM

Jaime Laredo, Conductor and Violin

Sharon Robinson, Cello

Anna Polonsky, Piano

Johann Sebastian Bach Violin Concerto No. 1, BWV 1041, A minor

Gabriel Fauré Elegy, Op. 24

Felix Mendelssohn Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 25, G minor

Ludwig van Beethoven Concerto for Violin, Violoncello and Piano, Op. 56, C Major, “Triple”

“Laredo played with his trademark shimming 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

Seven Deadly Sins is a sung ballet which brings the worlds of voice, dance and orchestra together. Stars from the Wolf Trap Opera will join the HHSO and JMR to create an evening of scintillating entertainment.

“Weill, Krása and Milhaud are three of the most significant Jewish composers of the twentieth century, with a musical message that resonates as strongly today as when they were written.”— Rabbi Brad Bloom, Congregation Beth Yam

GET HAPPY – A JUDY GARL AND CELEBRATION

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2025, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2025, 7:30 PM

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

Photo by Steve Riskind

Photo by Christian Steiner

MENDELSSOHN AND VIVALDI

SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2025, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2025, 7:30 PM

Jeri Lynne Johnson, Conductor Adé Williams, Violin

Michael Abels More Seasons for Orchestra

CARL ORFF: CARMINA BURANA

SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2025, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, Conductor

Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus

Claflin University Concert Choir, Dr. Charlie J. Toomer, Jr. 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

Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4, Op. 90, A Major, “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

ENRIQUE GRAF AND LA MER

SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2025, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, Conductor Enrique Graf, Piano

Claude Debussy Prélude à “L’après-midi d’un faune”

(Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun)

SERIES FINALE

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Piano Concerto No. 17, K.453, G Major

Claude Debussy La Mer (The Sea)

“One of the brilliant pianists of our times.”— The Washington Post

OTHER 2024-2025 SEASON Special Events

HILTON HEAD CHAMBER MUSIC INSTITUTE

THURSDAY, JUNE 13 THROUGH SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2024

An intensive training program focused on the art of small ensemble playing, 16 exceptional students from across the country are coached by an outstanding faculty from Vanderbilt, Florida State, and Michigan universities and present a series of public performances around Hilton Head Island and Bluffton.

Tickets and information at hhso.org.

JAZZ

IN THE PARK

EVERY OTHER TUESDAY STARTING JUNE 25, 2024 7:30 PM

LOWCOUNTRY CELEBRATION PARK AT COLIGNY, HILTON HEAD ISLAND

The HHSO presents six free outdoor concerts featuring the region’s finest Jazz performers, including faculty and students from the Junior Jazz Foundation’s Hilton Head Jazz Camp.

SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS Outdoor Pops Concerts for Everyone

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024, 7:30 PM

MARTIN FAMILY PARK, BLUFFTON (part of the Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024, 7:30 PM

LOWCOUNTRY CELEBRATION PARK AT COLIGNY, HILTON HEAD ISLAND

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025, 7:30 PM

LOWCOUNTRY CELEBRATION PARK AT COLIGNY, HILTON HEAD ISLAND

HHSO

YOUTH CONCERTO COMPETITION

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2025, 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-place winner receives an opportunity to perform with the HHSO.

Tickets available in September, 2024, at hhso.org.

HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

MONDAY, MARCH 10 THROUGH 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.

MUSIC for EVERYONE

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

2024-2025 ORCHESTRA SERIES

In addition to the satisfaction of knowing that their commitment sustains the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Series subscribers enjoy many benefits, including priority seating, discounts off single tickets, and advanced notification of HHSO and HHIPC events.

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.

Category A

TICKET CATEGORIES

Orchestra Rows 1-12 Balcony All Rows Seats 1-14 Wing Left Rows 1-2

Category B Orchestra Rows 13-19

NINE CONCERTS (Full Subscription)

Seat Preference: A $693 B $504 C $207

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 $462 B $336 C $138

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

THREE CONCERT PACKAGE

Seat Preference: A $231 B $168 C $69

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

CLASSICAL CONVERSATIONS

All HHSO Orchestra Series classical concerts are preceded with a preconcert chat with Maestro Russell, guest conductors, and soloists. These informative, thought-provoking, and engaging presentations open the door to the composers and their music, as well as the personal and professional lives of the performers.

Photo: Tina Gutierrez

Photos: thefrenchguyphotography

Photo: John Mastroianni