FROM THE PODIUM

With the last crashing notes of Debussy’s “La Mer” still resonating in our collective consciousness just a couple weeks ago, we turn our attention to the 2025-26 season beginning in October. Within the nine concerts of the subscription series, we have packed extraordinary stories, splendid music and an air of celebration as we head into our nation’s 250^th anniversary. Perhaps the most meaningful way to celebrate the founding of our country is by exploring the unique sounds and styles that define us as people. Jazz, Blues, Gospel, and the music of Hollywood are as American as apple pie–nurtured in the splendid diversity of this place we call home. Each concert of the season has a unique American connection, but as we always do at the HHSO, it also tells a musical story unto itself.

Some of the very special events we have planned include jazz legend Marcus Roberts and trio performing Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with improvised cadenzas—it is mind boggling. Also on the program is Roberts’ arrangement of Yamekraw by JP Johnson, inspired by the Savannah neighborhood of the same name. Lean Ensemble Theatre collaborates with the HHSO in Ellis island: The Dream of America by Peter Boyer, with seven first-person accounts from immigrants who made the arduous journey to New York in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, set to a richly dramatic score and photo choreography. It delivers an emotional wallop as I have rarely experienced—it is not-to-be-missed. Undoubtedly the most audacious production this coming season will be Verdi’s Requiem—from the thunderous “dies irae” with trumpets heralding from the balconies, to the majestic combined choruses of the Claflin University Concert Choir and the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and the heavenly beauty of our world class soloists of the Savannah Voice Festival—it will be a singularly awesome event. We are presenting more family friendly concerts this season too. Besides Holiday Pops, we will also perform “An Evening at Hogwarts” including favorite selections from the Harry Potter films including costuming and interactive elements for fans of all ages, and of course, the dazzling sounds of your HHSO.

The full symphonic works we perform next season include the lushly romantic Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2, Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony, the rambunctious Haydn Symphony No. 102 and Schumann’s jewel-like Symphony No. 4. Concertos include the Sinfonia Concertante for violin and viola, written by Mozart in Paris as the American revolution raged on and around Hilton Head and the Carolinas, the Richard Strauss Oboe Concerto with our own Reid Messich, Dvořák’s beloved Cello Concerto written during his residency in the USA, and the mighty Brahms Second Piano Concerto with HHIPC Winner Jonathan Mamora.

We take a lot of time to craft out programs each season, so that those who are new to the HHSO will have a dynamic entree into the world of orchestral music and our most seasoned listeners will always have something new and delightful to experience. Intimate, informative and invariably entertaining, HHSO concerts stick with you long after the applause dies away. As spring turns to summer and summer to fall, we’ll be filling you in on more of the musical details prior to each concert and, of course, don’t miss the pre-concert chats an hour before each performance. Subscribe to get the full experience, and tell a friend. The HHSO is one of the most special things about the Lowcountry, and we are all thrilled about the music we have in store to share with you.

Cheers.

JMR

—John Morris Russell, Music Director

The Jim Way Bass Trombone Chair

On several occasions, Jim was hired to play the bass trombone part on euphonium with the HHSO. It only seems fitting that a tribute to him would involve that chair in the Orchestra.

The HHSO has already received several donations in Jim’s memory, and others have inquired about a tribute. We are certain many patrons would find participating in a campaign to honor Jim appropriate and fitting.

Members of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s extended family are invited to help in creating the Jim Way Bass Trombone Chair Fund. Our goal of raising $250,000 to create a permanent endowment to perpetually fund this position is ambitious; however, Jim’s impact and dedication have been felt by generations of HHSO fans.

Donors can make gifts or pledge commitments over two years, to be completed by June 30, 2027. To make a gift or pledge, click here to access a form to complete and return. For more information, please contact Alan Jordan or Susan Hartmann at (843) 842-2055.

Thank you.

From the SoundWaves Studio

SoundWaves For Everyone

So many new friends have been made here over the last several years. It’s been nothing short of incredible. It seems everyone has come to see me, to hear live music, with me.

I’ve never felt more alive. Once just a quiet shell of brick and beams, I’ve become the heartbeat of Hilton Head Island’s Coligny music scene. This past year, my rafters have pulsed with sound, my walls echoed with cheers, laughter, and unforgettable melodies. Artists from near and far have lit up my nights…and the crowds? They’ve brought me to life. I’ve grown with every sold-out show, every encore chant. I used to wait in silence—now, I hum with anticipation. I am more than a venue. I am memory, rhythm, connection. And trust me, I’m just getting started.

Building upon four exceedingly successful years of Coastal Home Supper Club cabaret events, three illuminating Gullah Geechee Cultural Series seasons, and numerous world class guest artists such as legendary classical violinist Jaime Laredo and jazz pianist Isaiah J. Thompson just earlier this year, I eagerly look ahead to opening my doors to others. Hosting various members of Charleston’s twice-GRAMMY® winning roots band, Ranky Tanky: bassist Kevin Hamilton, trumpeter Charlton Singleton, and most recently, unequivocally styled vocalist Quiana Parler, I invite them back to entertain you, me, at any time. Presenting awe-inspiring community partners in Lean Ensemble Theater and artist projects of four-hands pianists Arianna and Robin Giesbrecht, and the Grunge to Grace album release jam of singer Courtney Cutchins, I envision many more collaborations representing music of all genres, for everyone, all to the delight of our collective ears.

All these magnificent musical partners set a high bar. How are we going to top Yacht Rock, Ella and Louie, Sinatra & Martin, Olivia Newton John, and SoundWaves Jukebox? How are we going to outshine Gullah Geechee celebrations like that of General Harriet Tubman?

Well, you might say these walls do talk. I’ve overheard some planning, and it seems there are ideas… Something about a tantalizing Cuban Salsa Night? And there’s a charming show in development: Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours, a touching Stevie Wonder cabaret revue. Drafts of chamber music programs, classical piano recitals, American Songbook set lists, and all sorts of jazz and popular music themes permeate the air. It seems there will be music for everyone.

So, as the wine in my bar is being restocked and my room is being readied for the new season, I’m enthusiastic to hear the sounds of musical life again come September.

Come see me soon, and please tell your friends, “I’ll see you at SoundWaves.” – SoundWaves

—Mario Incorvaia, HHSO Chief Operating Officer

As this season winds to a close and we head into summer, we look back very proudly on our successes in 2024-25, and we are also most excited as we put the artistic pieces in place for the upcoming 2025-26 season.  The focus of that, of course, is our March 2026 Young Artists competition for pianists ages 13-17!

But before looking ahead, I think it’s worth reviewing a few highlights of what we’ve experienced since the start of 2025.  The spotlight shined brightest on our March 2025 HHIPC, when we welcomed 19 pianists from ten countries, each of whom performed at an exceedingly high level—much to the delight of our substantial audiences, as well as to our jury of seven eminent piano professionals (representing six countries).  The amazing talent displayed by our competitors also challenged our jury with making very difficult choices in selecting the winners, but in the end, I think most people agreed with their choice of Indonesian-American pianist Jonathan Mamora as our First Prize Winner.  Jonathan is a remarkable HHIPC success story of perseverance!  He competed here in 2011 for our very first Young Artist competition, plus he also made a great impression when he returned to compete again in 2022, and now he wins the big prize on his third attempt at age 30.  (All of the winners’ details can be seen at www.hhipc.org.)

Another highlight among many from this March was our 2025 HHIPC commissioned piece—Moment Musical, by renowned American composer Lowell Liebermann—which is our very first competition commission.  Each competitor was challenged to perform this new work (approximately 6-7 minutes long), so we essentially heard 19 world premieres of this beautiful piece over four days.  It was most gratifying to me that everyone (including the pianists and judges) enjoyed Lowell’s music, and the audience was fascinated by the subtle differences in each performance.  In addition, I am pleased that Local Life magazine just published a feature story about our inaugural commissioning experience in their May 2025 issue, which you can read HERE.

In terms of HHIPC attendance, I’m happy to report that we had sizable audiences for all rounds, including a very large and enthusiastic crowd for the finals.  Plus, our livestream throughout the competition drew audiences watching from all over the globe—both live and on delay.  In fact, our new outlet in China—amadeus.tv—reported total viewership of over 200,000 people during the competition, plus we had many thousands more views from a total of 61 countries internationally!

Another important competition component I must mention is our impactful Ambassadors education and community engagement program.  15 out of 19 competitors represented the HHIPC during that week, with a total of 17 performances at 13 different events/venues, including public and private schools, community organizations (including Rotary Club and Boys & Girls Club), and senior living residences.  In all, approximately 1500 students and seniors benefitted from these intimate performances, and our pianists also benefitted greatly from these experiences and interactions.

Looking now to the approaching season, our Young Artists Competition dates range from March 16-21, 2026, when we again welcome 20 teenaged pianists from all over the world to compete.  I am delighted to announce an increased total prize pool of $25,000, including $12,000 for the First Prize winner, plus a return concerto engagement with the HHSO and Maestro JMR.  We have again assembled an impressive jury of eight renowned piano professionals (three for the first round and five for the live rounds), and you can read more about them and the entire competition HERE.

At the moment, the details for our other 2025-26 HHIPC events are still ‘in the works,’, so I must keep you in suspense for now.  However, I CAN tell you that we will have our usual fall concerts in mid-October and mid-December for our BravoPiano! Recital Series at SoundWaves, and we will announce the details as soon as artists and dates are confirmed.   

The final ‘coming attraction’ I must mention is our annual Musical Feast gala on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 (following MLK weekend), when we are back again at Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa (in Palmetto Dunes).  I can’t divulge the identity of our featured performers just yet, but I am excited to share that 2026 is the 30^th Anniversary of the HHIPC, so please “save the date” to join us in celebration of three decades of piano excellence!

Thanks for reading, and I wish you a most enjoyable and relaxing summer!

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