Nakahara to perform in season finale for Youth Orchestras

Competition winners, a commission premiere, and a “surprise” guest performer will combine for the S.C. Philharmonic Youth Orchestras3:30 p.m. season finale Sunday, April 30, 2017 at the Koger Center.

Each of three ensembles will cap a three-concert season that began with rehearsals in September: the Youth Orchestra, conducted by Neil Casey; the Repertory Orchestra, conducted by Hayden Denesha; and the Strings Orchestra, conducted by Meredith Miller. The three orchestras are competitive ensembles for players of differing ability levels, and are filled by auditions.

In addition to being the season finale, highlights on the program will combine to make this a remarkable concert:

• The top-level Youth Orchestra is to feature annual concerto competition winners. Clarinetist Christopher Juhn performs the first movement of the Mozart Clarinet Concerto, and cellist Vihar Dalal performs the David Popper Hungarian Rhapsody.
• The Repertory Orchestra presents an exciting Youth Orchestras program first: they commissioned a piece by Alan Hankers and will give the world premiere of Aura.
• Guest musicians will add punch to the Strings Orchestra’s program, including a surprise, high-profile wood block soloist – S.C. Phil Music Director Morihiko Nakahara (pictured). Executive Director Rhonda Hunsinger comes out of retirement to play her violin, and Development Director Robin Hallyburton returns to the concert stage with her double bass.

Tickets for the concert go on sale at the door starting at 2:30 p.m.Adults are $10, and students and children are $5. Seating is general admission. For more information on the S.C. Philharmonic Youth Orchestras, please visit: SCPhilharmonic.com/Youth.

About the S.C. Philharmonic

The South Carolina Philharmonic entertains, educates, enriches, and excites diverse audiences through live symphonic music. As the Midlands’ only professional orchestra, the S.C. Phil is a non-profit, 501c3 that has served the community’s needs for cultural development, education, and entertainment since 1964. The introduction of Music Director Morihiko Nakahara in 2008/2009 ushered in a new era of artistic excellence that has allowed the orchestra to move forward and become the Midlands’ pre-eminent performing arts organization. The S.C. Phil believes exposure to the arts is an essential element that helps people realize their full potential, connect to others in the community, and be introduced to new cultural experiences. The S.C. Phil’s vision is to see lives changed through the transformative power of music and has established education and outreach programs designed specifically to engage and educate diverse groups throughout the Midlands.