HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS with SC Philharmonic, Cola Rep Dance Co, Columbia Choral Society, Michael Hazin, Camm Wess, Cat Galan, Johnnie Felder and SANTA!!!

The South Carolina Philharmonic presents Home for the Holidays on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 7:00 PM at the Koger Center for the Arts under the baton of Music Director Morihiko Nakahara. The SC Philharmonic is bringing this community celebration back to the Koger Center for one night only after last season’s inaugural performance. As this concert is a holiday-themed variety show, the orchestra will be joined by singers CammWess (The Voice, Team John Legend), Cat Galan (Stankface, Boomtown Trio), Michael Hazin (musical theatre performer) and opera singer Johnnie Felder. The concert includes two performances by Cola Rep Dance Co. The Columbia Choral Society also comes to the stage for the thrilling second act. Finally, Santa will also be on hand for any last-minute requests. This joyful concert is a creative collaboration between Music Director Morihiko Nakahara and director Chad Henderson, the former Artistic Director of Trustus Theatre and current Marketing Director of the SC Phil. Tickets may be purchased by visiting scphilharmonic.com or by calling the Koger Center Box Office at 803-251-2222. 

Home for the Holidays is one of the last large-scale holiday-themed events of the season, with the performance scheduled on December 19th. This concert is a great way to entertain family and friends who have gathered for the holidays, and to those who are looking for new traditions. Created in collaboration with Music Director Morihiko Nakahara and local theatre director Chad Henderson, this concert promises to be an energetic experience that celebrates the Midlands arts scene. “This concert is a salute to our community,” said Director Chad Henderson. “Last year, we started out trying to create an exciting program of joyous music that would set performers up to shine with an orchestra. Once we got into the weeds, we realized we had created a multidisciplinary celebration of home.” The creative team of Nakahara and Henderson leaned into that aspect with more intentionality this season. 

Columbia Choral Society

Audiences can expect to hear holiday classics like Bing Crosby’s Jingle Bells, Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song and Leroy Anderson’s festive holiday treat: Sleigh Ride. Opera singer Johnnie Felder will join Cat Galan for a very special performance of The Prayer - made famous by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion. The Columbia Choral Society will join the orchestra for arrangements of Twas the Night Before Christmas and selections from John Williams’ Home Alone score, among others.

“Without giving everything away, we have some special surprises planned for our audience,” said Henderson. “With this concert being so late in December, we are really focused on creating an evening for families and friends. A lot of folks are about to travel to other places at that time, and so many are returning home as well. This concert is a great way to get into the spirit, and to be awed by the talent we have in the Midlands. We’re also collaborating with one of my favorite colleagues: lighting designer Marc Hurst. You’re going to get some epic musical experiences out of this one.” 

The SC Philharmonic’s Home for the Holidays will take the Koger Center stage on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 7:00 PM at. Concert ticket prices range from $25 to $55, and they can be purchased at scphilharmonic.com or by calling the Koger Center Box Office (803) 251-2222.

 For more information about the South Carolina Philharmonic, please visit SCPhilharmonic.com 

South Carolina Philharmonic Kicks Off their Chamber Crawl Tuesday September 5th at Bierkeller

The SC Philharmonic's popular Chamber Crawl series kicks off the 23|24 Season at Bierkeller Brewing Company! Join us for this delightful evening at Columbia's long-anticipated riverfront biergarten!

This Chamber Crawl boasts a woodwind trio featuring Ying Liao (cello), Joeseph Eller (clarinet) and Hassan Anderson (oboe).

 The feeling you will get when stepping into Bierkeller Columbia is one of true community, with a relaxing view of the water and fresh German beer and food. Their goal is to bring you a full, authentic Biergarten experience where you can settle in with family and friends and stay a while.

Seating is first-come first-served, and capacity is limited for the performance. This event is already looking rather popular, so we recommend booking today.

Tuesday September 5th

Doors at 6 pm

Click the button below to reserve your spot!

BUY TICKETS NOW

Philharmonic Collaborates with Local Nonprofits to Present a Weekend of Music and Sensation

By Liz Stalker

Ayano Kataoka

This coming weekend, the South Carolina Philharmonic will present two noteworthy concerts at the Koger Center: Firebirds of a Feather on Saturday, February 18th at 7:30 p.m., and Sensory Friendly Family Concert on Sunday, February 19th at 3:00 p.m. Both concerts are a part of the Philharmonic’s Music for a Cause program, a program that involves partnering with other non-profit organizations in order to raise awareness and funds for important causes through the Philharmonic’s various Masterworks concerts.

Firebirds of a Feather is a concert centered around the fantastical nature of our aviary friends. The concert is bookended by Igor Stravinsky, starting with Song of the Nightingale, and concluding with The Firebird Suite—one of his most renowned works—with Takashi Yoshimatsu’s composition, Bird Rhythmics, at its center. The SC Philharmonic’s Marketing Director, Chad Henderson, describes the selection of pieces as “a great opportunity for audiences to ignite their creativity and let the story form in their mind based on how they interpret the music.”

The Philharmonic will play alongside featured soloist Ayano Kataoka, a percussionist whose marimba skills will be particularly highlighted through these pieces. Kataoka started performing as a marimbist as early as nine years old, leaving her home in Japan to tour around China. She went on to amass a number of impressive degrees in music and perform all over the world. Kataoka is currently the Professor of Percussion at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and continues to be a season artist of the Chamber Music Society of the Lincoln Center of Performing Arts in Manhattan.

Firebirds of a Feather is being put on in partnership with Feathered Friends Forever, an organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and sanctuary of abused and neglected birds as well as adoption services for responsible bird lovers. Patrons who get there early can check out the live birds that will be in the lobby prior to the show, thanks to handlers from the organization. The birds in attendance will be highly social, imbued with some of the playfulness of the music that will follow, and present a unique opportunity for the audience to, as Henderson puts it, “learn more about these fantastic animals and create a personal connection to aviary rescue.”

Sensory Friendly Family Concert is, at its core, a concert designed for all families, inclusive to children of all ages and abilities. This concert, which will be just under an hour in length and feature themes from well-known children’s movies, such as the Harry Potter franchise and Moana, invites audience members to participate in whatever way they feel moved, such as singing, dancing, vocalizing, and moving about. The concert will also prioritize the ability of audience members to exit the theater with ease as needed. In addition to this, there will be a variety of accommodations available to theatergoers, including a quiet room, spinners, and changing stations that accommodate children with disabilities, and the lobby and auditorium will both be open an hour before the concert begins.

The Philharmonic has partnered with a number of organizations for Sensory Friendly Family Concert. Their current partners include The Unumb Center for Neurodevelopment, The SC Commission for the Blind, Family Connections of SC, Key Changes Therapy Services, Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment Research Center, and Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services. This concert will be the first of many Philharmonic inclusive family concerts.

“The SC Philharmonic is definitely committed to making these accessible family concerts a more regular occurrence,” Henderson shares on the commitment to inclusion, “It’s important that we make it possible for everyone in our community to experience symphonic music. The Koger Center is dedicated to working with us on diminishing boundaries as we go forward.”

Tickets for both events are available on the Koger Center’s website

SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble Big Band Holiday Concert

South Carolina’s celebrated big band ensemble performs Dec. 17th, 2022

From our friends at SC Philharmonic—

The SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble, under the direction of Music Director Robert Gardiner, continues the 22/23 Season with SWINGIN’ HOLIDAYS on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 7:30 PM at the W.W. Hootie Johnson Performance Hall at USC (1014 Greene St., Columbia, SC 29201). This special holiday concert features the SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble, a 20-piece big band that is comprised of some of the most outstanding jazz musicians, soloists, and bandleaders from across the Carolinas. SWINGIN’ HOLIDAYS will feature the return of international touring and recording artist Kobie Watkins (drums) to the ensemble, and Robert Lewis (saxophone), the Director of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, will be performing with the ensemble as a guest artist. This concert is presented in partnership with USC Jazz. Reserved seating tickets range from $25 to $50, and can be purchased at www.scjazz.org. 

SWINGIN’ HOLIDAYS is presented in partnership with USC Jazz, and will boast a full evening of entertainment with two acts of amazing big-band holiday jazz from the SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble. Audiences will also enjoy a pre-concert performance by a student combo from USC Jazz in the lobby. The SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble set will also include performances from USC Jazz faculty Lauren Meccia (saxophone/vocalist), Matthew White (trumpet), Michael Wilkinson (trombone), and Bert Ligon (piano/composer, Distinguished Prof. Emeritus). 

SWINGIN’ HOLIDAYS will feature time-cherished holiday jazz classics. The program includes arrangements of “Jingle Bells”, “All I Want for Christmas,” “Let it Snow,” “What Child is This?” and many other jazzy tunes of the season that will leave audiences’ toes tapping. 

The ensemble for SWINGIN’ HOLIDAYS will feature the following musicians: VOCALS: Kristi Hood (Dick Goodwin Big Band), Edwin Hamilton (Freelance musician, Minister of Music, Augusta, Ga); SAXOPHONES: Robert Lewis (Director, Charleston Jazz Orchestra), Bill King (King William Jazz Collective, USAF), Tracy Patterson (Assoc. Professor/Woodwind Chair, Winthrop Univ.), Mark Sterbank (Charleston Jazz Orchestra, Prof. Charleston Southern), Lauren Meccia (Instructor of Jazz Studies at USC); TRUMPETS: Charlie Polk (SC Philharmonic Orchestra), Matthew White (Assoc. Professor of Jazz Studies, USC), Chip Crotts (Director of Jazz Studies, Georgia Tech), Tim Leahey (USAF Airmen of Note, retired) TROMBONES: Michael Wilkinson (Asst. Professor of Trombone, USC), Brad Jepson (Co-Founder, Greenville Jazz Collective), Major Bailey (Assistant Director of Bands at SC State University); Robert Slade (Commander and Conductor of the 208th Army Band) RHYTHM: Bert Ligon, (piano, composer, Distinguished Prof. Emeritus, USC), Shannon Hoover (bass, Co-founder of the Greenville Jazz Collective) and Kobie Watkins (drums, international touring and recording artist). 

SWINGIN’ HOLIDAYS is a one-night only performance on December 17, 2022 at 7:30 PM at the W.W. Hootie Johnson Performance Hall at USC. Reserved seating tickets range from $25 to $50, and can be purchased at www.scjazz.org.

This program is supported in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts and collaborates in its work with the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and South Arts.

Concert in the Gardens, September 22nd at Seibels House & Garden

One of the few good things to come out of COVID was the collaboration between the South Carolina Philharmonic and the Historic Columbia Foundation. Unable to perform indoors at the Koger Center, the Phil teamed up with Historic Columbia to present concerts outside in such beautiful settings as The Hampton Preston gardens and the Seibels House & Gardens. My friends and I attended the “inaugural” event and haven’t missed a concert since.

Thursday’s program features a string quartet, presenting a concert of light classics.  Columbia Repertory Dance Company will also be performing. 

You can arrive at 1601 Richland St. any time after 6:00 p.m. The concert starts at 7:00.  We always bring folding chairs and/or blankets, a picnic basket chock full of goodies, and bubbles. (What’s a picnic without bubbles?). Wine is available at the event for $5/glass, and you can become a member of the Historic Columbia Foundation at a discounted rate.

Tickets are $20.00 and may be purchased online.

See you there!

- Libby Campbell

Chad Henderson Moves to SC Philharmonic

PRESS RELEASE

SOUTH CAROLINA PHILHARMONIC

Chad Henderson

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Philharmonic welcomes Chad Henderson as the new Marketing and Communications Director. The position, recently held by Kristin Morris, will be filled by the recent Executive Director of Trustus Theatre who resigned from Trustus on July 29, 2021. SC Philharmonic Executive Director Rhonda Hunsinger announced the hiring of Henderson on August 9, 2021, and Henderson’s first day with the SC Philharmonic will be August 16, 2021. 

Henderson, a native of Spartanburg, SC, came to Columbia in 2003 as a student of the South Carolina Honors College. He started his studies at the university as an aspiring professional percussionist at the school of music with a minor in advertising. He later transitioned to a major in advertising and a minor in theatre. Henderson served as Trustus Theatre’s Marketing Director for eight years starting in 2007, was Artistic Director for 5 years, and the organization’s Executive Director throughout the past year - which included the theatre’s closure due to the pandemic and its return to live performance. With 14 years of experience promoting nonprofit arts programming in Columbia, Henderson is excited to join the SC Philharmonic team as they launch their 2021/2022 concert season with live and virtual performances.  

South Carolina Philharmonic Executive Director Rhonda Hunsinger expressed her excitement to welcome Henderson to the team after receiving his application for the position earlier in July 2021. “I have known Chad since his early days at Trustus and have always admired his creative drive and commitment to the arts in Columbia,” said Hunsinger. “As colleagues we have often turned to each other for guidance, and I am delighted that we can now work together to advance the mission of the South Carolina Philharmonic!” 

Henderson’s passion for music, experience in promoting events in Columbia, and his desire to work for an established team of professionals makes him a winning fit for the Marketing and Communications Director position at the South Carolina Philharmonic. “I am a longtime fan of the South Carolina Philharmonic and its programming, and am thrilled to have the opportunity to join their team,” said Henderson. “The leadership at the South Carolina Philharmonic has an amazing track record and tenure, and the Board of Directors has been exemplary in it support of the staff and moving the organization forward. I had the pleasure of talking with various members of the Philharmonic’s artistic family over the past few weeks, and I am so delighted to be able to work for this amazing arts organization.” Henderson intimated that he considered applying for the position when it became available in 2018, but is so grateful to have the Opportunity in 2021.

 SC Philharmonic Mission: 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.

PREVIEW: Puck Luck - Colin Jacob Has It in Columbia City Ballet's Upcoming A Midsummer Night's Dream by Susan Lenz

"Puck luck" is a hockey term that refers to those factors which influence the outcome of a game that do not involve the strategy and skill of the players.

When Columbia City Ballet and the full South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Morihiko Nakahara perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Koger Center this coming Saturday night, January 27th, Colin Jacob will be the envy of many hopeful dancers. He’ll be wearing green and dancing his first principal role. Plucked from the corp de ballet by Artistic Director William Starrett, Colin will use his acting background from high school musical theater and gymnastics to bring Shakespeare’s “merry wanderer of the night," Puck, a mischievous but shrewdly knavish sprite to life.

The role is demanding. It requires lofty leaps, whirling turns, and even a bit of tree climbing. The speed of the scherzo leaves the dancer breathless but insists on an immediate return to stage as if the activity was all in the course of a normal day. A clever but impish character must be maintained despite the grueling pace. This is Jacob Colin’s challenge. He has videotapes from previous Columbia City Ballet seasons, including one featuring Jose Serrano in the role. I remember that show well. In fact, I know the ballet rather well. William Starrett’s 1987 choreography is inspired by Sir Frederick Ashton’s from 1964. I’ve seen that version too. I know that Puck is the audience favorite. I was happy to hear that Colin Jacob is working hard to do as well or even better than those who have already performed the fun but rigorous role here. This is his “big break”. Some might even call it “Puck Luck”.

Perhaps “Puck Luck” was involved. No one could have predicted the strategy that would find the originally cast dancer no longer with the company, that Colin would unexpectedly be told to learn the part after rehearsals had begun. Perhaps “Puck Luck” was involved because Colin’s skill doesn’t come with more than a decade of dance training, something generally expected for a principal part. Yet, my interview told another story.

At seventeen, Colin was asked to help a local, amateur show in his hometown of Brecksville, Ohio.  They needed a male dancer. Without prior dance experience, Colin stepped up to the plate, continued lessons, and earned a scholarship to Pittsburgh’s Point Park University, one of the country’s top programs. He earned his BA in only three years and accepted a trainee position with Ballet West in Salt Lake City. This was after winning scholarships in 2013 and 2014 from Youth American Grand Prix, an international amateur dance competition. No dancer climbs the ladder of success so quickly without natural ability, a great work ethic, and tremendous daily effort. 

My interview with Colin revealed him to be a most articulate young artist who is looking forward to performing to live music.  He said that as a dancer, live music makes the show “feels like the first time because it isn’t exactly like a tape recording. Music is a cultural plus.”

(Please note, child prodigy, Felix Mendelssohn wrote the overture as a seventeen year old in 1826 and added his incidental music, Opus 61, sixteen years later for the production of Shakespeare’s play. The score includes the now, traditional “Wedding March”, generally heard as brides walk down aisles. This melody was adopted by Princess Victoria in 1858 for her wedding to Prince William of Prussia.)

Of course Columbia City Ballet rehearses to a tape recording. There’s no other way to do it!  For Colin, each rehearsal is getting easier and easier, but he is quick to add that each one reveals another fine point for him to work on. 

I am quite sure that Colin Jacobs will be bringing a memorable performance to the stage.  I wish I could see it, but alas I’ll be teaching a fiber arts workshop in Alabama. More than for myself, I hope Colin’s parents are able to make the arrangements. Like Colin, they weren’t expecting “Puck Luck”, a big break for a very likable and talented dancer. Thankfully, many will be in the audience especially to see Colin. He regularly teaches dance at Southern Strut, Columbia City Jazz, Richland Northeast High School and at Columbia Music Festival Association where he also media coordinator. 

Accepting the corps de ballet position with Columbia City Ballet, along with his other dance related opportunities, has provided Colin a level of financial stability. He bought a car and is paying off student loans. More importantly, our local dance company has provided amazing performance opportunities and the potential for upward mobility.  Whether “Puck Luck” was involved or not, Saturday’s performance is more than a “big break” for a single dancer. It is a big break for people in Columbia is watch the start of a winning young talent.  It is a fabulous opportunity to see our full company perform to live music. I’ve focused this preview on just one dancer but there are many. Go see for yourself! It will be worth it!

Tickets for the 3:00 PM matinee and the 7:30 PM evening performances on Saturday, January 27th are available at:

http://www.kogercenterforthearts.com/event.php?id=535

Music at the Rosewood Arts Festival by Annie Brooks

The Rosewood Arts Festival is a day of family friendly fun centered around the celebration of music and art. Hosted by Rockaway’s Athletic Club, the festival is in its fourth consecutive year. From 10 am to 6 pm there will be two stages featuring music from various genres. This year has gathered Chase Asmer, Dreher High School Chorale, Tom Hall and the Plowboys, the SC Philharmonic Orchestra Musicians, and the Tonya Tyner Trio. There will be something for every ear to enjoy.

Of the musical talents he has brought together to perform at the festival, creator Arik Bjorn said, “I know one thing, and that’s that this is the best group of Columbia musicians and entertainers you’re going to find in a single place on a single day this year.”

The various musical groups participating are just as passionate about the event.

The SC Philharmonic has been a returning presence to the festival. This year they will be represented by two small ensembles on either stage; a string quartet and a wind duo. Executive director Rhonda Hunsinger said, “We are excited that the SC Philharmonic has been a part of the Rosewood Arts Festival since its inception. The festival has done a wonderful job of making sure a wide variety of musical genres is represented, from contemporary to classical. The Festival gives the SC Phil a great opportunity to share classical music with the public, and introduce it to those who may not have ever attended an SC Phil performance.”

This will be the second year that Tonya Tyner has played with a group for the festival. She is proud to be a returning artist to a festival that brings so many different components of the arts community together. Thrilled with the group she has joining her, Tonya will play guitar, along with Brodie Porterfield, and L.J. Errante on the mandolin. All of their songs are original and offer a folky bluegrass vibe. Tonya also offered that the festival is a great way to meet the artists and discuss their art.

It is not often that one is given access to such rich talent for no cost of admission. The Rosewood Arts festival is a wonderful opportunity to be submersed in local art and music. There will be entertainment all day with crafts, face painting, and good food as well. It is a free event cohosted by Rockaways Athletic Club and the Trenholm Artist Guild, held at Rockaways (2719 Rosewood Drive) on September 20^th from 10 am to 6 pm.