FROM THE PODIUM

“The Melting Pot” is a frequent metaphor for the American experience popularized in the United States by the 1904 play The Melting Pot, written by Israel Zangwill about a Russian Jewish family who fled the 1903 Kishinev Massacre for America, where they could live in a place where all ethnicity would “melt away.” Although an ideal of a homogeneous population that all dines on the same food, jives to the same music and wears the same clothing might suit some, I believe what makes our country so incredibly dynamic is all the special things that people from the entire world bring to this place we all call home. Not just the food, or the culture, but a mind-set and spirit to succeed.

I like the concept of our nation as a mosaic, where everyone in America brings their own special piece to create our great panorama. The cultural heritage, experiences and perspectives that people bring with them from around the world are like the pieces of a giant mosaic—each distinctive in color, shape, texture, and each beautiful in and of itself. And yet, when all those individual pieces are put together they create an enormous picture of incredible depth and vibrancy that is so much more than the mere collection of those individual parts. As a mosaic, the American experience becomes so much more multidimensional and nuanced, and expresses the enormous opportunity and promise of a diverse society.

“Ellis Island—The Dream of America” is a love-letter to those who have brought the world to this place. It tells the story of the immigrant experience through Ellis Island over a century ago, and resonates in the amazing cultural mosaic we enjoy here today.

—John Morris Russell, Music Director

From the SoundWaves Studio

A SoundWaves Resolution For Everyone To Keep

Happy New Year to all of you, my music-loving friends who visit me to enjoy the incredible concerts happening here within my walls and beneath my rafters. Yes, we’ve reached another year’s end filled with awe-inspiring music and all that delicious food served on our cabaret evenings!

Oh, Did I have some work done this Fall? Well, yes, thank you for noticing. Some good friends came by on a Saturday a couple months back and applied a fresh coat of paint to a couple of my walls. Yes, I do look good, don’t I? It’s a new shade and one that I think suits me, Dusty Heather, they call it.

Anyway, enough about me. Let’s talk a bit about what 2026 is going to bring. With so many musical offerings on the calendar again this coming year, it’s going to be difficult for me to decide on just one. I am particularly partial to those concerts with food just beforehand. Mm mm those Gullah meals are irresistible. And, that recent string quartet holiday program simply was a delight. I know there are more of those ahead too.

Pressed to choose one, though, I think I would like to tell you all about a show titled Cinematic Sounds. This is the February 15^th edition of Coastal Home Supper Club which features movie soundtracks and unforgettable themes from Hollywood classics to even a couple cult films. Returning to perform at this concert is vocalist Richie Cook, whom I haven’t seen in ages. I’m sure he’ll notice my walls… Anyway, titles he and others are to perform include Skyfall, Moon River, Shallow, Footloose, I Will Always Love You, and more… If I only had feet to move and toes to tap… <sigh>

So, it’s time that I offer my new years’ resolution. I resolve in 2026 to be the most welcoming live music venue here on Hilton Head Island, irresistible to all of you so that you hopefully will resolve to visit me often and to tell your friends, “I’ll see you at SoundWaves.” — SoundWaves

— Mario Incorvaia, HHSO Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

As the song goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” when we enjoy Holiday celebrations and traditions with family and friends. At the same time, we reflect fondly on our successes over the last twelve months, and we eagerly anticipate major events in the year to come with great excitement!

The first of those is indeed a big one for the HHIPC, since 2026 marks 30 years since our very first competition!  We will kick off our milestone anniversary celebration at our annual Musical Feast gala fundraiser, which is Tuesday, January 20 at the Hilton Beachfront Resort & Hotel!  We will reminisce about our first three decades, as we recognize our successful mission to promote and nurture talented young pianists from all over the world.

In addition to a sumptuous three-course dinner, you will enjoy an intimate solo recital from internationally acclaimed pianist George Li (Silver Medalist at the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition and recipient of a 2016 Avery Fisher Career Grant).  And to begin the evening, we welcome the HHSO String Quartet—comprised of the orchestra’s principal string players—who will serenade us with a Haydn quartet, and then collaborate with George for the rousing opening movement of Schumann’s ever-popular Piano Quintet!  Plus, we will have a live auction with numerous attractive items, including concert and culinary experiences, along with two luxury European vacations!

Invitations were emailed to all the HHIPC and HHSO supporters, friends and fans in early December, so hopefully you received yours.  But, if not, you can also use this link to purchase your tickets and order your meals, or to make a non-attending contribution to help commemorate 30 years of the HHIPC!

This will indeed be a memorable evening, combining world-class music and delicious food in a warm family atmosphere, so please join us on January 20 for this landmark celebration!

I hope to see you soon in 2026, and in the meantime, I wish you and your family a joyous Holiday, and a very happy, healthy and musical New Year!

—Steven Shaiman, Director, Hilton Head International Piano Competition and Education and Community Engagement