Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina Arts Commission has announced that the South Carolina Philharmonic is the recipient of the 2024 Governor’s Award for the Arts in the Organization category. The award recognizes outstanding achievement and contributions to the arts in South Carolina and is the state’s highest honor in the arts.
Rhonda Hunsinger, Executive Director of the South Carolina Philharmonic, expressed gratitude, stating, “This award is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our orchestra family, from our talented musicians and music director to the dedicated staff, Board leadership, and volunteers that do so much behind the scenes. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the SC Arts Commission for this recognition.”
The SC Philharmonic, along with other 2024 award recipients, including Campbell Frost (Lifetime Achievement), Diane Frankenberger (Individual), and Dr. Minuette Floyd (Arts in Education), was honored for exceptional achievement and contributions to the arts in South Carolina.
During the challenging period of venue closures, the SC Philharmonic took the opportunity to reinvent itself. The organization prioritized inclusion and accessibility, with initiatives focusing on reaching communities that were previously underserved. The SC Philharmonic’s efforts included performances that extended beyond traditional concert venues, interactive concert experiences for children, and the creation of sensory-friendly concerts.
Key initiatives included the “get off the stage and into the community” approach, which aimed to make performances more accessible. The organization also partnered with Segra Park for a grand Independence Day concert, attracting over 6,000 attendees in its inaugural year. Additionally, the Chamber Crawl series, Concerts in the Gardens, and other outreach programs were launched to demystify the symphonic experience.
The SC Philharmonic leveraged funding from the SC Arts Commission, ticket sales, and donations to build a more relevant and resilient orchestra, achieving new levels of excellence. The organization remains committed to its mission of performing live symphonic music and providing dynamic educational opportunities in the Midlands.
Recipients of the South Carolina Governor’s Awards for the Arts will be honored during a broadcast presentation of the South Carolina Arts Awards, expected to air on South Carolina ETV in May.
About the South Carolina Arts Commission: The South Carolina Arts Commission, created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, works to promote equitable access to the arts and support the cultivation of creativity in South Carolina. The agency aims to increase public participation in the arts through grants, direct programs, staff assistance, and partnerships in various artistic fields. Learn more at SouthCarolinaArts.com.
About the South Carolina Philharmonic: The South Carolina Philharmonic is dedicated to performing live symphonic music and providing dynamic educational opportunities in the Midlands. The organization embraces a legacy of passion for music and strives to be a vibrant part of the cultural fabric of the community. For more information, visit SCPhilharmonic.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram.