Morihiko Nakahara renews three-year contract with SC Philharmonic
July 20, 2021
Music Director will be with the Phil through 2025
South Carolina Philharmonic Music Director Morihiko Nakahara has renewed his contract with the organization through the 2024/2025 season. Nakahara joined the SC Philharmonic as Conductor and Music Director in 2008.
Nakahara says about the contract renewal, “I am thrilled to continue making music with our committed and talented musicians and sharing that music with listeners throughout the Midlands and beyond. The COVID-19 pandemic of the last 15 months cemented my belief that the SC Philharmonic is a special organization. Our musicians, staff and board members have navigated these challenging times with innovation, determination and an open mind. Music connects us and brings us together, and I look forward to playing my part to connect our orchestra with more South Carolinians over the next few years.”
“We are so pleased and privileged to have Morihiko Nakahara continue as our Maestro for the SC Philharmonic. His leadership is an unequivocal success,” says Concertmaster Mary Lee Taylor Kinosian. “His work, along that of our wonderful executive director, Rhonda Hunsinger, has put us into a whole new sphere of musical achievements.”
Immediate Past Board President, Lynn Hodge, says about the contract renewal, “We are very excited to announce Morihiko Nakahara’s contract renewal. His charismatic personality, imaginative programming and dynamic performances have earned him widespread acclaim and a loyal following in the Midlands. The Philharmonic Board greatly values Nakahara’s artistic vision and commitment to ongoing excellence. We look forward to his continued leadership in taking the Philharmonic to new heights.”
This news coincides with the announcement of the SC Philharmonic’s 58th season later this fall. The opening Masterworks concert is Saturday, October 9, 2021 at the Koger Center for the Arts.
The 2021/2022 Masterworks concerts are:
| Mendelssohn’s “Scottish” Symphony – October 9, 2021 | American Memories – February 5, 2022 |
| Mozart Symphony No. 40 – November 13, 2021 | Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 – March 19, 2022 |
| Beethoven & Blue Jeans – January 15, 2022 | Scheherazade – April 23, 2022 |
Season tickets are now on sale at SCPhilharmonic.com or call 803.771.7937 for more information. Discounts are available for first-year buyers, seniors, students, active-duty and retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The South Carolina Philharmonic is committed to performing live symphonic music and providing dynamic educational opportunities in the Midlands. We carry forward a legacy of passion for the music and embrace our responsibility to be a vibrant part of the cultural fabric of our diverse community.
For more information about the South Carolina Philharmonic, please visit SCPhilharmonic.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
