News

HSO opens season with tribute to Joiner

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 21, 2023

The Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra opens its season at 3 p.m. Sept. 30 with a tribute to its beloved former Music Director, Thomas Joiner.

Joiner had been an integral part of the HSO for over two decades. This promises to be an unforgettable evening of music, featuring the timeless classics of Beethoven Piano Concerto no 3, Suite from Schindler’s List, Romeo & Juliet and Fantasy Overture. The program, chosen from Dr. Joiner’s favorites, will also feature soloist Dianna Joiner on violin, Douglas Weeks on piano and narrator Ron Whittemore.

“It's an honor for us to celebrate Dr. Joiner's incredible contribution to our orchestra for so many years, said Paul Conroy, Executive Director. “We can't wait to share this wonderful program with the Hendersonville music community.”
Thomas Joiner has appeared as a conductor, violinist, chamber player, and teacher throughout the United States and 11 foreign countries. As Professor Emeritus of Violin and Orchestral Activities at Furman University, he conducted the Furman Symphony Orchestra in orchestral, operatic, and oratorio performances. For 21 seasons (1998-2019) under the leadership of Music Director and Conductor Thomas Joiner, the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra’s creative programming led to continued growth for the orchestra, community support and sold-out performances. During his tenure, Dr. Joiner invited many notable musicians to join the HSO, including guest artists Lee Luvisi, Jorge Federico Osorio, Andres Diaz, Carter Brey, James Buswell, Laura St. John, and William Preucil. Popular artists included jazz trumpeter Byron Stripling, Rhythm and Brass, the Kruger Brothers, Celtic fiddler Jamie Laval, the Maharaja Flamenco Trio, and the Andy Carlson Band.
In addition to masterworks, pops and holiday concerts, the HSO under Joiner’s leadership, performed programs each year for thousands of Henderson County 3rd and 6th graders.

With this concert event, and in recognition of his extraordinary tenure and artistic accomplishments, the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce that Thomas Joiner has been named Music Director Laureate of the Hendersonville Symphony beginning in the 2023/2024 season.
“Without Tom’s leadership and creative vision, the HSO would not be the outstanding orchestra that it is today,” says Rita Hood, Chairman of HSO Board. “We are so grateful for his artistic leadership on the podium and his mission to enhance youth education in our community.”
Sharing the stage with the HSO at the September 30 concert will be two very special soloists and a master of ceremonies guiding us through Maestro Joiners career highlights. Douglas Weeks, pianist and Babcock Professor of Piano at Converse and Coordinator of Piano Studies at the Brevard Music Festival, will perform Beethoven Piano Concerto no 3. Violinist Dianna Joiner, currently assistant concertmaster of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra will perform as soloist throughout the evening. Ron Whittemore, longtime voice of the Annual HSO Education Concerts, will be the narrator for the afternoon concert.
Tickets for the entire 2023/2024 season are currently on sale at hendersonvillesymphony.org. Ticket prices start at $12 for students and $49 for adults. All concert performance times will be at 3pm this season. For special group discounts, please contact the HSO office at (828)697-5884.