Did you know that June 11 is “Say Hi Day?” It’s the one day of the year when your inner extrovert gets to shine. It’s a holiday about spreading cheer with a simple greeting, turning everyday encounters into miniature festivals of friendliness.
It’s a day that reminds people that a powerful word can change the direction of someone’s day, bring a smile to someone’s face, or change someone’s mood. It’s a simple greeting that can trigger positive reactions and interactions.
Saying Hi to someone and getting a response involves very few words, but they can make all the difference. Let’s celebrate “Say Hi Day” with some musical selections that will bring people together.
Antonín Dvořák: Slavonic Dance in G minor, Op. 46 No. 8
Joseph Cinotti
“Say Hi Day” is not just a random holiday, but it’s a celebration of connection inspired by the incredible Joseph Anthony Cinotti. Joseph was a special needs teen who tragically died at the age of 15, but he always had a grin on his face, and he said “Hi” to every soul he met.
His grin could melt ice, and his infectious greeting turned strangers into pals and made his community feel like one big cosy hug. When he passed, the world decided to keep his spirit alive with “Say Hi Day,” a day to channel Joseph’s superpower of spreading joy with a single, mighty word.
Johann Strauss II: Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka, Op. 214
A Bouncy Blast
Nothing says “Hi” like Handel’s rollicking boat party on the Thames! Just imagine Handel himself conducting a bunch of wig-wearing musicians as they blast the jaunty hornpipe tune, saying hi to every fish, duck, and even the royal barge.
The hornpipe is pure pomp-filled glee, like Joseph Cinotti leading a merry parade through his neighbourhood, waving at everyone with a wide grin. This piece is the musical equivalent of a high-five from a bunch of cheerful sailors. For “Say Hi Day,” this tune got your back for making the world a friendlier place.
George Frideric Handel: Water Music, “Hornpipe”
A Twirly Tune
If you fancy a bit of a twirl on “Say Hi Day,” look no further than the famous Boccherini Minuet. It prances like a courtly peacock, and it is the fanciest and bounciest greeting for this special day.
The music is dainty with sprightly strings of such playful elegance that it feels like you’re greeting every passerby with a curtsy and a wide grin. It’s the kind of tune that makes even grumpy squirrels want to wave back. Let this minuet turn every greeting into a delightful, dance-worthy moment.
Luigi Boccherini: “Minuet”
Pastoral Party
Here comes another perfect musical selection for “Say Hi Day.” Come along for a musical romp through the countryside with Beethoven and the Allegro from his Pastoral Symphony. No wonder it’s subtitled “awakening cheerful feelings.”
This movement is like Joseph Cinotti skipping through a meadow, tossing an exuberant “Hi” to every cow, sheep, and slightly confused butterfly in sight. What a sunny and flowing melody that feels like a warm breeze carrying your greetings across the countryside and the world.
Why don’t you let this movement be your soundtrack for spreading happiness on this special holiday. It’s a perfect pastoral party for everybody, from your neighbour to that suspiciously sassy pigeon. This holiday is all about sparking joy with one tiny word, so grab your cheeriest grin. On June 11, why don’t you make Joseph proud and the world a happier place?
For more of the best in classical music, sign up for our E-Newsletter
