The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s 35th season, “Music of Grandeur and Majesty,” opens on Monday, Oct. 24, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. under the direction of Conductor John Morris Russell. Consistently winning international praise for his extraordinary music-making and visionary leadership, Conductor Russell is in his fifth season as Music Director of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and conductor of the prestigious Hilton Head International Piano Competition.
Mr. Russell leads the orchestra in eight masterwork subscription concerts annually and continues to reveal his deep passion for Classical and early Romantic orchestral literature. Under his guidance the HHSO has sparked collaborations with regional ensembles and performers that continue to widen the reach of the orchestra, including Hilton Head Dance Theatre, Charleston Southern University, the Savannah Children’s Choir, the Lean Theatre Company and Georgia Southern University. In addition, Mr. Russell has been actively involved in the development of the HHSO “Music Bridges” program, engaging thousands of school children from Bluffton to Hilton Head Island in ensemble visits and full orchestra concerts, while integrating the musical culture of Gullah and Lowcountry traditions into presentations and programming.
Eminent pianist, Garrick Ohlsson joins the orchestra in performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor,” Beethoven’s Fidelio and Barber’s Second Essay for Orchestra, on Monday, Oct. 10, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, with a reception to follow. Concert tickets for Opening Night are $40, $75 and $85. Reduced prices are available for children and their accompanying parent for Sunday matinees. Call the Hilton Head Symphony office at (843) 842-2055 to purchase or log into the orchestra web site at hhso.org.
