THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

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!

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

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

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 GARLAND 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

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

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
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

SERIES FINALE

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)
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