FROM THE PODIUM

The sense of elation and eager anticipation that precedes each new season of the HHSO never gets old—there are SO many spectacular concerts we’ve been planning over the last nine months or so, and this baby is ready roll!

We are leaning in to American musical style this fall, beginning with our annual outdoor concerts at Martin Family Park in Bluffton, and Lowcountry Celebration Park on Hilton Head October 17 and 18, the week before our opening concerts at First Presbyterian Church. “Country Divas” celebrates the roots of country music with classic songs made famous by Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Tanya Tucker and Dolly Parton, along with the rollicking sounds of the HHSO. Three exceptional young singers will be making their HHSO debuts: Tegan Miller and Gretchen Stelzer, best known for their sold-out performances at the SoundWaves Coastal Home Supper Club series, as well as Cincinnati sensation, Vee Gibson. Featured selections include spectacular arrangements of beloved songs of Steven Foster, gospel favorite “Amazing Grace”, and the music of Aaron Copland—it’s an opportunity to enjoy great music, but also to share the brilliance of our orchestra with the entire Lowcountry. Make sure to tell your friends and neighbors—it’s FREE.

We will be exploring jazz in our November concerts with the Dvořák Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”, and “The River,” by Edward “Duke” Ellington. Dvořák was inspired by the music of the turn-of-the-century America while composing his magnum opus in New York City and Spillville, Iowa, including Ragtime, Sousa Marches, Stephen Foster and the Spiritual. The work has been beloved from its very first performance at Carnegie Hall in 1893. Dvořák also spent a great deal of his time in the USA teaching composition—one of his students, the brilliant African American virtuoso violinist Will Marion Cook, went on to teach composition and orchestration to the young Edward Ellington while growing up in Washington, D.C. Though Ellington may best be known for his jazz standards, he dedicated a good amount of his career to creating strictly orchestral works, and The River is one of his best. Originally a ballet score, it musically portrays a river flowing across our vast continent, as a metaphor for the twists and turns of American life. Both of these works showcase the brilliant musicianship and musical flexibility of our musicians–both are an absolute joy to perform.

Holiday POPS on Thanksgiving weekend will feature several wonderful performers who call the Lowcountry home, including Broadway star Meredith Inglesby, Hilton Head Youth Concerto Competition winner Jaia Alli performing the finale of the Lalo Cello Concerto, and the HHSO Chorus under the direction of Dr. Dustin Ousley. Speaking of our chorus—if you love to sing, you should consider auditioning and singing with us (it’s not too late for Holiday Pops). Later in the season we’ll be performing Carl Orff’s EPIC Carmina Burana, and we’d love to have you join us. The Hilton Head Dance Theatre also joins the HHSO for Holiday Pops, for selections from Act 2 of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, including the famous “Characteristic Dances”, Waltz of the Flowers, and Apotheosis/Finale.

Our 43^rd Season Opener is in just a couple weeks, and will feature Tchaikovsky’s triumphant Symphony No.4, along with the heralded debut of violinist Melissa White performing the lushly romantic Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1. I worked with Melissa a decade or so ago with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra—she was just a kid, having just won the prestigious Sphinx Competition. She has since become a sensation, performing with major orchestras across the country—it will be a treat to work with her again here—she is a stirring performer. The beloved Symphony No. 4 is among Tchaikovsky’s most popular works with its awe-inspiring journey from darkness to light—the entire program is steeped in deep emotion, and symphonic fireworks—a brilliant way to kick off our new season.

In other news—I spent a chunk of the summer developing a new website. It was a fun experience and I’m happy to share it with everyone—check it out! www.johnmorrisrussell.com

We’re ALL looking forward to seeing all of YOU at our concerts soon and making music for EVERYONE in the coming season.

Cheers!

JMR

—John Morris Russell, Music Director

From the SoundWaves Studio

SoundWaves For Everyone

This year, voters selected SoundWaves as the GOLD Live Music Venue in the Lowcountry’s Best, an annual survey conducted compliments of The Island Packet, identifying the Island’s finest in food and entertainment among many other service and product business categories.

Upon receiving news of this announcement, SoundWaves responded:

“You like me! You really like me!”

After regaining composure, SoundWaves continued:

“While our opponents ran a fierce but fair campaign, we tip our hat in support and recognition of all other live music venues who like us are enhancing our community with fine live music, every night of the week, all year round.

In receiving this award, we would like to thank our agent, HHSO Board of Directors, staff members, technical team, event producing partners: Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island, Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association, American Traditions Competition,… our spectacular performing artists, restaurant partners, corporate sponsors: we see you Coastal Home,… underwriters, donors, volunteers, patrons, and you, our Overtures Newsletter reader. For without your enduring support, we could not have attained this lofty accomplishment, the people’s choice.

To all those patrons attending Coastal Home Supper Club, Gullah Geechee Cultural Series, Broadway Icons, BravoPiano! Recitals, HHSO guest artist concerts, and special guest programs, this award is yours to share.

To those sister organizations who hold meetings and other activities in our loving home:

Town of HHI Office of Cultural Affairs, Greater Island Council, Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island, Lean Ensemble Theater, among others, we couldn’t have done it without you.

To the dedicated musical artists who have and continue to perform your hearts out to sold-out audiences, this award is dedicated to you.

To all, everyone really, we offer our music. Music for Everyone. SoundWaves for Everyone.”

Join us this season as we reach further to include everyone in sharing these invigorating live musical experiences. GOLD Live Music Venue means GOLD people all around. Congratulations. Let’s do it again!

And remember, when you are out and about town, tell your friends: I’ll see you at SoundWaves!

—Mario Incorvaia, HHSO Chief Operating Officer