Noted Conductor John Morris Russell Joins Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra

March 28, 2012 - PRLog -- .   Hilton Head Island, SC (3-28-12) – John Morris Russell, one of North America’s leading orchestral conductors, has joined the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra as Music Director and Principal Conductor, it was announced here today.
   Russell, who continues his primary role as conductor of the world-renowned Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, spent the past 2011-2012 season as principal guest conductor of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra.
   Mary Briggs, President and CEO of the orchestra, said Russell’s contract will cover a two-year commitment. During the initial 2012-2013 season Russell will conduct eight evening concerts plus three matinees as well as the popular “Symphony Under the Stars” in April of 2013. “There is no question in my mind that John’s presence here will reinforce and enhance attendance and interest.”
   Edward Parrish, chairman of the orchestra’s board of directors, said “having a major international talent like Maestro Russell marks a major step forward for the consistent presentation of great music in our region.”

   BACKGROUND  For the past 11 years Russell has served as Director of Music at the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (Ontario, Canada) where he was credited for “having fostered a decade of unprecedented artistic growth” in the region. During his tenure the Windsor Symphony Orchestra made 17 national broadcasts on Canadian Broadcasting Radio, including concerts from the Masterworks and Intimate Classic Series, as well as the Windsor Canadian Music Festival. Russell has also served as associate conductor of the Savannah Symphony Orchestra in the early 1990s
   As a guest conductor, Russell has worked with many of North America’s most distinguished ensembles, including the orchestras of Toronto, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Dallas, Louisville, Miami’s New World Symphony, the Minnesota Orchestra, Oregon Symphony, Colorado Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, New York Pops, New York City Ballet, New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, and the Cleveland Orchestra at the Blossom Music Festival.
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