MUSIC for EVERYONE
HHSO Orchestra Series 2024-2025
Nine programs with a 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)
OPENING WEEKEND
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
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
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
Meredith Inglesby, Soloist
HHSO Chorus, Dr. Dustin Ousley, Director
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
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THE 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
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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
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CARL ORFF: CARMINA BURANA
SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2025, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025, 7:30 PM
John Morris Russell, Conductor
Javier Arrey, Baritone
Ashley Nunez, Soprano
Peter Lake, Tenor
HHSO Chorus, Dr. Dustin Ousley, Director
Claflin University Concert Choir, Dr. Charlie J. Toomer, Jr. Director
Statesboro Youth Chorale, Michael Roemer, 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
With classical vocalists presented by the Savannah VOICE Festival
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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
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
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SERIES FINALE
LA MER AND ENRIQUE GRAF
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
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