WELCOME
Another season of music and marvelous events awaits us. It is a pleasure to welcome all our League members as recipients of the first edition of the 2014/2015 series of League Notes. Our editor is once again Pam Rapp. Pam’s communication skills combined with the support of Sarah Bergin’s technical know–how makes each newsletter a gem of information.
The League’s mission is to provide volunteer and financial support to the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and its youth programs. This organization also seeks to design events for social interaction as we work together toward that end. Our mutual love of music sets the stage for satisfying accomplishments and good fun.
We especially welcome new members and encourage all to get involved. You will join the 400 men and women already pledged to play a part in our new year of activities. I look forward to seeing you at the interesting events planned for the coming months.
LET’S KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING!
Lois Wilson, President
EXCLUSIVE PREMIER LEAGUE EVENT
“Silent Movies” were never silent. They were accompanied in their early days by a pianist producing background music on an upright piano. Later the larger theaters used the new Wurlitzer organs for musical scoring. The West Coast is abuzz with silent film aficionados. The genre is a true art form finding new and dedicated fans on this coast as well.
The League is inviting each member with spouse or guest to an exclusive Silent Movie Matinee and elegant reception hosted by Vine on Sunday, October 26 at the Coligny Theatre from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Attendees will see Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy at their earliest best. The films will be accompanied on piano by our very own Orchestra pianist, Michael Braz.
Your invitation is in the mail. Please respond quickly. Seating is very limited.
KITCHENS OF NOTE
The second annual HHSO League tour will showcase six designer kitchens in the waterfront community of Spanish Wells. Each kitchen will host a chef from one of these amazing restaurants—Mulberry Street Trattoria, HogsHead Kitchen & Wine Bar, Trattoria Divina, Alexander’s, WiseGuys and the Lowry Group’s catering arm, Celebrations—where chefs will offer a sample of a delicious recipe. Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 28 from noon to 4:00 p.m.
The 2013 Tour was a complete sell-out, and tickets (as before) are available on a first-come, first-served basis. So order your tickets today, invite your friends to join you and enjoy a great Sunday afternoon on September 28.
Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased at two south and north end locations on the island (LeCookery in Wexford and Burke’s Pharmacy on Main Street) and at Markel’s in Bluffton. For more information and reservations call Fran Hubbell at 843-681-4635.
POST-CONCERT RECEPTIONS
The new concert season, “Music of Dreams and Drama,” is about to begin and the League will be sponsoring receptions after each Monday concert throughout the year. These will be held in the Gathering Space at First Presbyterian Church.
If you have not already signed up, and would like to volunteer at one (or more) of our upcoming post-concert receptions, now is the time to do so. You can be part of the drama and excitement by contributing cookies or acting as a hostess during these welcoming receptions.
Hosting duties range from pouring punch, arranging goodies on platters or refilling punch bowls, depending on our needs. One of the bonuses is working with a great group of people and the opportunity to mingle with friends and neighbors as well as HHSO musicians and guest artists. Concerts will take place on October 13, November 17, December 1, January 19, February 9, February 23, March 23, April 20 and May 4.
Volunteers are also needed for the International Piano Competition Finals reception on Saturday, March 14.
Please let the Post-Concert Reception committee know your choices by responding to this email address (Joan Dattelbaum – [email protected].) We thank you and look forward to your participation.
CONCOURS d’ELEGANCE
The Concours d’Elegance made its debut in 2002. The men of the League of the HHSO were prime movers in the conception and operation of this ambitious event. In its 14 year history it now draws the most tourists to the island after the Heritage Golf Tournament and has raised significant funds for youth oriented charities. From the first year, the League has been intimately involved in supplying volunteers.
The event will take place on November 1 and 2 at the Port Royal Golf Club. This year the men of the League have taken on full commitment to our efforts. Sixteen dedicated male members will be working as golf cart drivers on call for whatever the need may be. Their efforts will make it possible for the Orchestra to apply for a Driving Young America Foundation grant.
The tradition lives on!
ANNUAL LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW
The League will return to Sea Pines Country Club for its popular Fashion Show and luncheon on Wednesday, March 25. Every year has been a sell-out, so when you receive your invitation in the mail in January, don’t delay—call your friends and put a table together. This will be our 5th anniversary and it will be extra special.
Julie Williams, chair of the event, is putting together a committee now. There will be things to do late in the fall and in January and February. Everyone who has volunteered in the past has had a ball. We work as a team and really make it fun.
Please call Julie at 342-2199 or email me [email protected] (you can do it right from this newsletter) to let me know you want to be part of the team.
Newcomers to the League: I am making a special appeal to you! The Fashion Show is a wonderful way to get involved and make new friends.
This event is one of the most important in raising funds for our Symphony Orchestra.
Thanks for your support and let’s do it right again this year!
SUNDAY MUSICALES—SAVE THE DATES
The Musicales series, so extremely popular in past years, is set to begin in November. All take place on Sunday afternoon from 5 – 7 p.m. in beautiful private homes throughout the local area. The dates are: November 2, December 7, January 25, March 1, April 26 and May 17. You will receive your invitation by mail soon. Seating for these unique musical afternoons will fill up quickly. So don’t dawdle – make your reservations for one or more of your favorites! Our survey last year informed the programming committee’s choices—you are sure to find something you’ll like.
INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION EVENTS
Activity is already scaling up to a crescendo for the 2015 Hilton Head International Piano Competition for Young Artists to be held March 9-14, 2015. Aspiring young pianists from around the world, ages 13-17, are getting ready to once again astound us with their virtuosity and artistry. New events and new venues are planned.
The Finals and Reception will be held on March 14 at the First Presbyterian Church. More information will be forthcoming so you can make your plans to attend an exciting musical week.
A MUSICAL FEAST
Thursday, November 20, 2014, 6:00 P.M.
Country Club of Hilton Head
Mark your calendars NOW for another of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition’s wonderful evenings of outstanding music, unique wines and delicious food. Award-winning pianists and Steinway artists, Marina Lomazov (1998 HHIPC winner) and Joseph Rackers, will be featured performing both solo and piano four-hand works. In addition to being extraordinary prize-winning pianists, they are also distinguished competition judges. They will share their insights on the challenges of the Competitor Selection Jurors, who must listen to 100+ audition performances in order to choose the top 20 who will come to Hilton Head to compete.
The Lomazov/Rackers Piano Duo has performed to enthusiastic audiences in concert halls and with orchestras throughout the United States and Europe. Recent engagements include the Society of Composers International Conference, the Chernigov Philharmonic (Ukraine), South Carolina Philharmonic, and Piccolo Spoleto Festival where their performances have been described as “splendid” and “amazing.”
For complete information on the Hilton Head International Piano Competition for Young Artists, and all related events, go to www.hhipc.org or call the office (842-8550) with questions.
