The Board of Directors of the South Carolina Philharmonic announced yesterday that Music Director Morihiko Nakahara has renewed his contract with the organization through June 30th, 2029. A native of Kagoshima, Japan, Morihiko Nakahara has served as Music Director of the South Carolina Philharmonic since 2008. During the 2024-2025 season, Nakahara has remained active as a guest conductor, including conducting multiple programs with the Virginia Symphony and Spokane Symphony, as well as appearing with the Central Conservatory of Music Orchestra (Beijing), WuxiSymphony Orchestra (China), Long Beach Symphony and the Festival at Sandpoint Orchestra.
Executive Director Rhonda Hunsinger, who oversaw the music director search that brought Nakahara to the orchestra during the 2007-2008 Season, is enthusiastic to keep the organization’s momentum fueled through his artistic leadership. “It is a true honor and joy to work with Morihiko,” said Hunsinger, “and I am thrilled that he has chosen to renew his contract with us for another four years. His visionary artistic leadership continues to elevate us to new heights, and Iook forward to all that we will achieve in the years ahead.”
SCP Board President EmilyLuther shares Hunsinger’s zeal for this renewal. “Morihiko has been a wonderful artistic leader for the SC Phil during his tenure,” said Luther. “He has brought a wealth of knowledge and skill and a good bit of fun to our orchestra.The organization has flourished, and the SC Phil has expanded its programming to reach broader audiences under his direction.”
Since Nakahara’s last renewal in 2021, the conductor has collaborated with staff efforts to create new programs like Music In My Neighborhood, a weeklong symphonic immersion into a community; Home for the Holidays, a new Holiday concert event for Columbia audiences; Family Time with the Phil, a sensory-sensitive concert for all families that will be free to the public in 2025; and films with live scores.
“The Board of Directors is thrilled that we will continue the excellence and innovation that the SC Phil has experienced under Morihiko’s artistic leadership,” continues Emily Luther. “I’m also excited that this extended contract means we will continue to have Morihiko’s talent and insight in pursuing our strategic initiatives, in particular diversifying community and educational programs over the next four years.”
Music Director Morihiko Nakahara. Photo by Kevin Kyzer.