For two evenings in March, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra concert venue will be a large canvas tent on the grounds of Shelter Cove Park sponsored by SunTrust. The idea of “Symphony Under the Stars” is to provide a cordial and casual outdoor concert experience where people can enjoy a picnic dinner followed by an evening of light classical and pops programming performed by Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra.
     This year, under the direction of Mary Woodmansee Green, the orchestra will perform  “College Night at the Symphony” featuring well-known college fight songs along with popular music from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.   Along with “The Halls of Ivy”, “The Whiffenpoof Song” and “The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi” you will hear the sounds of Duke Ellington, Beatlemania, the Beach Boys and Saturday Night Fever, and so much more.
      Joining the orchestra will be the Hilton Head Barbershoppers under the direction of Dick Tyrell.  Our very own former HHSO Presidents, Fred Caswell and Walt Graver will share the role of Guest Narrators.
     Patrons have always played a major role in making these fun evenings a huge success.  Audience members use the concert themes to inspire costumes, table decorations and picnic menus while they compete for a variety of prizes.  During previous Symphony Under the Stars events, tables have been decorated and patrons dressed in patriotic attire, as the famous MASH television series and in a variety of well known Broadway plays as well as other fun and festive fashions.
     Guests have also come with a wide array of food and refreshments.  Some have arrived well prepared to enjoy a fabulous dinner prior to the concert.  Meals have included the finest faire and table decorations including silver candelabras, china and fine wines and desserts.  Some keep it simple with hot dogs, potato salad, cole slaw, red and white table cloth along with other appropriate picnic trimmings.  Some have chosen to prepare their meal, while others contact their local caterer.  You may bring your own refreshments, but wine, beer, soft drinks and water are available for sale by the League of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra.  All proceeds from these sales help to support orchestra youth and outreach programs.
     Other sponsors of the event include Porsche of Hilton Head at the New River Auto Mall, Classic Party Rentals and John D. Myers.   We hope you all will join us on Tuesday or Wednesday evening March 24th  or  25th  to celebrate the eleventh year anniversary of Music Director Mary Woodmansee Green and to enjoy the experience of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra.
     Tickets can be purchased for $60/person, $600/tables of 10.  Picnic 6 pm (bring your own), Concert 7:30 pm.  Wine, beer and soft drinks available for purchase.  Tickets available now on our website at www.hhso.org, or call 843-842-2055 for further information and ticketing.