May 22, 2025

Sunset Serenade Concert Kicks Off Piccolo Spoleto Festival

News Summary

The Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra’s Ryo Hasegawa will lead the annual Sunset Serenade concert, celebrating local talent and marking the start of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Scheduled for May 23, this open-air concert will feature performances highlighting classical compositions relevant to Charleston’s rich musical history. Notable acts include soprano Kyaunnee Richardson and pianist Daniela Liebman. The event aims to foster community spirit and accessibility, showcasing the collaboration of youth and adult orchestras as they honor Charleston’s cultural significance.

Charleston – The Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra’s Ryo Hasegawa will lead the annual Sunset Serenade concert, marking the beginning of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. This open-air concert is scheduled for May 23 at 8 p.m. and will take place on the steps of the U.S. Custom House located on East Bay Street. This event is free and welcomes attendees of all ages.

The concert will feature a repertoire that highlights compositions performed by both the youth and adult orchestras during their recent performances in New York City. The program will focus on works that celebrate Charleston, showcasing local talent. Notable performers include soprano Kyaunnee Richardson, who will sing Gershwin’s “Summertime”, and pianist Daniela Liebman, who will perform “Rhapsody in Blue.” The year 2023 is significant as it marks the 90th anniversary of “Porgy and Bess”, a composition by George Gershwin with deep ties to Charleston.

Ryo Hasegawa is gearing up for this performance shortly after his graduation with a doctorate in musical arts in orchestral conducting from the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University. He will be graduating on May 21, and then flying to Charleston in time for the concert. Hasegawa’s recent performance at Carnegie Hall with the youth orchestra in February was a notable milestone in his career and has contributed to his enthusiasm for conducting the Sunset Serenade.

Charleston Symphony’s Artistic Director and Concertmaster, Yuriy Bekker, has commended Hasegawa for the exceptional progress achieved with his students during this challenging transition from practice rooms to public performances. The collaborative nature of music-making is a vital aspect that Hasegawa values, as he enjoys adjusting performances based on audience energy and connection.

The Sunset Serenade has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1989, initially organized as an impromptu concert following Hurricane Hugo. It symbolizes community unity during difficult times. This year’s concert is expected to continue this tradition and will help to kick off the summer festival season in Charleston, generating a sense of pride among residents.

Following the Sunset Serenade, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival will run from May 26 to June 11. This annual event features a variety of artistic performances and activities across the city, enhancing the cultural landscape of Charleston. The Sunset Serenade serves as the opening concert for this much-anticipated festival.

Organizing an open-air concert presents unique logistical challenges, such as transporting instruments and accommodating the outdoor setting. Hasegawa is excited to overcome these obstacles to deliver a memorable experience for the Charleston community. His dedication to contributing to the local arts scene can be seen in his passionate approach to conducting and engaging with the audience.

Overall, the Sunset Serenade concert is poised to be a significant cultural event in Charleston, drawing community members together and celebrating local talents in a historic setting. With a focus on accessibility and community spirit, the event sets the tone for the vibrant cultural offerings during the Piccolo Spoleto Festival.

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HERE Resources

Spoleto Festival USA to Brighten Charleston with Cultural Events
Spoleto Festival USA to Kick Off in Charleston

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.