When Maestro John Morris Russell came to the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra in 2011 as principal guest conductor, he brought his engaging style of directing musicians and his unique ways of interacting with an audience – and a community at large.
Russell brought a fresh perspective on music-making, music education, and outreach. His excitement and high energy were infectious, and he was welcomed warmly by Lowcountry appreciators of classical and modern music.
The following year, Russell was named music director of the HHSO, serving concurrently as conductor of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, an arrangement that continues more than a decade later.
Russell, or JMR, as he prefers to be addressed informally, has worked with numerous orchestras in North America, including the Chicago Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Pops, and the Windsor Symphony in Ontario, Canada. A Grammy-nominated artist, JMR has collaborated with notable performers in a variety of music genres, from Aretha Franklin to Vince Gill to Steve Martin and Leslie Odom Jr.
We wanted to learn more about the local symphony and its impact on our community. JMR was pleased to answer our questions.
Russell, or JMR, as he prefers to be addressed informally, has worked with numerous orchestras in North America, including the Chicago Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Pops, and the Windsor Symphony in Ontario, Canada.
CH2: When people think “orchestra,” most likely think of a huge stage full of string, wind, brass, and percussion musicians playing classical music. How is the HHSO different?
JMR: Indeed, the HHSO performs the same great orchestral literature as major orchestras around the world, but we do it in a way that is more intimate, accessible, and meaningful for folks in the Lowcountry. First of all, the venue – First Presbyterian Church – was designed to be a gathering place for musical presentations; the audience literally surrounds the orchestra. Likewise, our musicians and guest artists often mingle with the audience before and after performances – there are always lively conversations going on. We select all the repertoire for our concerts to reflect the diversity of our community and frequently mix classics with eclectic orchestral music that compliments and informs the concert experience. This coming season, for example, we’ll be performing Dvorak’s mighty “New World Symphony” alongside Duke Ellington’s Jazz Suite, “The River.”
CH2: Besides the orchestra series, what other types of programs do you offer?
JMR: Our mantra at the HHSO is “Music for Everyone” and we live by the credo “If it sounds good, it IS good.” Besides our classical subscription programs, the orchestra performs “pops” concerts outdoors in October and April, as well as wildly popular holiday concerts in Bluffton and on Hilton Head. We also have a monthly series of intimate “cabaret” concerts at our Soundwaves Studio in Coligny. There’s the Hilton Head International Piano Competition with annual concerts and recitals, a Gullah Geechee Series, educational concerts, as well as summer chamber music, and outdoor jazz concerts.
CH2: Why is an orchestra important to a small town like Hilton Head Island?
JMR: First of all, Hilton Head is not just a little town on a little island – we are a REGION! I like to think of ourselves as the “Orchestra of the Lowcountry” that inspires, enriches, and unites us all. Our orchestra is just part of the music-making that the HHSO produces and supports: our chorus, including talented young singers in area high schools and colleges; the educational concerts and guest artist visits for schools; and our sister arts ensembles like the Hilton Head Dance Theatre, American Traditions Competition, Milnes VOICExperience, and the Jazz Corner, with whom we collaborate. Also, we must mention the worldwide recognition of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition. We possess an extraordinary musical ensemble that communities five times our size would be envious of, and bring a cultural quotient to our region that attracts and retains the best and brightest residents to this special place.
CH2: There are 58 orchestra members, and only two who live on Hilton Head Island, with many coming from as far as Atlanta and Charlotte. How does this impact rehearsals and performances?
JMR: We are a “per-service” orchestra that attracts some of the finest musicians in the Southeast. This allows us to efficiently and economically produce so many concerts of various sizes throughout the season. As freelancers, most all our players regularly perform in numerous orchestras in the region, including Charleston, Savannah, Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Charlotte. What is unique to the HHSO, however, is that our players often stay the concert weekend in the homes of many of our patrons (where they are invariably treated regally) and develop a close kinship with them and the community at large. It feels like family – I believe this helps engender the beautiful magic that our HHSO concerts are known for.
CH2: What are some of the highlights of this year’s season?
JMR: There is so much great music, it’s hard to know where to begin. There are favorite orchestral masterworks like Debussy’s “La Mer” (the Sea), Mendelssohn’s “Italian,” and Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, as well as beloved concerti by Bruch, Bach, Beethoven, and Vivaldi. We’ll perform a fully staged production of Kurt Weill’s “Seven Deadly Sins” with the famed Wolf Trap Opera Company; a spectacular celebration of Judy Garland; and the audacious “Carmina Burana” by Carl Orff along with the HHSO Chorus, Claflin University Chorus, and a renowned cast of singers.
CH2: Your pre-concert talks are legendary. What makes them so special?
JMR: We like to maintain a less formal environment than our big-city counterparts. I’ll often speak a little before selections during the concert to give context to the work we’ll be performing or special things to listen for that will enhance the experience. But my favorite are our pre-concert chats – a 30-minute talk, often with our guest soloist, an hour before the concert begins. Lighthearted and engaging, it’s a casual opportunity to discuss the many layers of the music-making related to the program and featured composers, and oftentimes a little “inside baseball” to boot. Questions and discussion frequently ensue, which creates an atmosphere of curiosity and discovery at every performance.
CH2: How can residents and visitors best get involved and take advantage of the orchestra’s programs?
JMR: Check out hhso.org for the full scoop on the season and ticket information; concerts do sell out, so it’s best to get your season tickets early. It has been a joy over the years to visit with folks who plan their winter getaway around our concerts, who come from as far away as Toronto or Seattle each season. They invariably share with me how our performances consistently exceed all expectations and possess an immediacy and energy that is unique. This is a very special orchestra.
