HHSO 2025-2026 Orchestra Series
DVOŘÁK CELLO CONCERTO
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2025, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2025, 7:30 PM
John Morris Russell, conductor
Christine Lamprea, cello
Franz Joseph Haydn Symphony No. 102, Hob. I/102, Bb Major
Antonín Dvořák Concerto for Violoncello, Op. 104, B. 191, B minor
“She has impressed with the fearless intensity of her musicianship.”
—Classical Voice North America
MARCUS ROBERTS PLAYS RHAPSODY IN BLUE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2025, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2025, 7:30 PM
John Morris Russell, conductor
Marcus Roberts, piano
Marcus Roberts Trio
Carlos Simon Four Black American Dances
James P. Johnson/Marcus Roberts, arr. Yamekraw
Carlos Simon Hellfighters’ Blues
George Gershwin/Marcus Roberts, arr. Rhapsody in Blue, F Major
“Jazz history is written with every note he plays.” —John Morris Russell
HOLIDAY POPS
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2025, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2025, 7:30 PM
Bluffton Concert
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025, 7:00 PM
St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Bluffton
John Morris Russell, conductor
Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Michael Preacely, baritone
Brooklynn Thatcher, violin (2025 Youth Concerto Competition winner)
The Lowcountry’s cherished Holiday tradition features JMR’s eclectic mix of music and merriment, baritone Michael Preacely, and the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus.
RACHMANINOFF SYMPHONY NO. 2
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2026, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, JANUARY19, 2026, 7:30 PM
John Morris Russell, conductor
Reid Messich, oboe
Eric Whitacre Prelude in C
Richard Strauss Oboe Concerto, TrV 292 (AV 144), D Major
Sergei Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2, Op. 27, E minor
Rachmaninoff’s lushly romantic symphony is presented alongside the delightful oboe concerto of Richard Strauss with HHSO Principal Oboe, Reid Messich. Eric Whitaker’s Prelude in C, inspired by J.S. Bach, receives its regional premier.
BEETHOVEN AND MOZART
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2026, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026, 7:30 PM
Samuel Lee, guest conductor and viola Brian Allen, violin
Louise Farrenc Overture No. 2, Op. 24, Eb Major Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Sinfonia concertante, K.364, Eb Major Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 4, Op. 60, Bb Major
2024 Malko Conducting Competition winner Samuel Lee leads a program of classics, including Beethoven’s delightful Symphony No. 4 and the Mozart Symphonia concertante with HHSO Principal Second Violin, Brian Allen.
Samuel Lee is on the precipice of a huge international career–his intelligence, energy and musicality is of the highest order. — John Morris Russell
ELLIS ISLAND - THE DREAM OF AMERICA
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2026, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026, 7:30 PM
John Morris Russell, conductor
Lean Ensemble Theater
Blake White, director
Charles Ives, orch. Schumann Variations on “America”
Igor Stravinsky Scherzo à la russe
Miklós Rósza Parade of the Charioteers from Ben Hur
Astor Piazzolla Adiós Nonino
Erich Wolfgang Korngold Kings Row Suite
Peter Boyer Ellis Island: The Dream of America
A paean to the generations of immigrants whose dreams, sacrifice, and heart define the resilience of our nation. The program’s finale, “Ellis Island,” dramatically blends first-person accounts, period images, and an authentic and deeply emotional score.
AN EVENING AT HOGWARTS— THE MUSIC OF HARRY POTTER
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2026, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026, 7:30 PM
Daniel Wiley, guest conductor and host
This fun and family-friendly celebration of the music and magic of the Harry Potter films features dazzling orchestral scores by John Williams, Patrick Doyle, and Alexandra Desplat. Come dressed in your best wizarding attire for an evening of spells, trivia, contests, and brilliant orchestral fireworks.
“This music is iconic and deeply enhances our connection to the story, offering a visceral and tangible experience for the listener.”
— Daniel Wiley
VERDI REQUIEM
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2026, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026, 7:30 PM
John Morris Russell, conductor
Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus Claflin University Concert Choir, Dr. Charlie Toomer, director With classical voices presented by the Savannah VOICE Festival
Giuseppe Verdi Requiem
As recognizable as Carmina Burana’s “O Fortuna,” the apocalyptic “Dies Irae” of Verdi’s Requiem has been featured in many a big and small screen application, and was cited by Arthur C. Clarke in his seminal “2001: A Space Odyssey.” The forces of the HHSO, HHSO Chorus, Claflin University Concert Choir, and Savannah VOICE Festival reunite for presentations of this powerful work.
BRAHMS PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2 WITH JONATHAN MAMORA
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2026, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2026, 7:30 PM
John Morris Russell, conductor
Jonathan Mamora, piano
(2025 Hilton Head International Piano Competition Winner)
Robert Schumann Symphony No. 4, Op. 120, D minor
Johannes Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 3, Bb Major
2025 First Prize Winner, Jonathan Mamora, makes his triumphant return to Hilton Head performing the monumental Piano Concerto No. 2 of Brahms, paired with Schuman’s enchanting Symphony No. 4.
Photo: thefrenchguy photography
Special Events
THURSDAY, JUNE 11 THROUGH SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2025
An intensive training program focused on the art of small ensemble playing, 16 exceptional students from across the country are coached by an outstanding faculty from Vanderbilt, Florida State, and University of Michigan, resulting in a series of public string quartet performances around Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Tickets and information at hhso.org.
SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS
JAZZ IN THE PARK
EVERY OTHER TUESDAY STARTING JUNE 24, 2025 7:30 PM
LOWCOUNTRY CELEBRATION PARK AT COLIGNY, HILTON HEAD ISLAND
The HHSO presents six free outdoor concerts featuring the region’s finest Jazz performers, including faculty and students from the Junior Jazz Foundation’s Hilton Head Jazz Camp.
Free OUTDOOR POPS CONCERTS FOR EVERYONE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025, 7:30 PM
MARTIN FAMILY PARK, BLUFFTON (part of the Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025, 7:30 PM
LOWCOUNTRY CELEBRATION PARK AT COLIGNY, HILTON HEAD ISLAND
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026, 7:30 PM
LOWCOUNTRY CELEBRATION PARK AT COLIGNY, HILTON HEAD ISLAND
HHSO YOUTH CONCERTO COMPETITION
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026, 1:00 PM
ST. LUKE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH
The HHSO Youth Concerto Competition has been attracting the most talented young musicians from throughout the southeastern United States since 2009. In addition to cash prizes and scholarships awarded to all finalists, the firstplace winner receives an opportunity to perform as soloist with the HHSO and Maestro JMR. Tickets available in September 2025, at hhso.org.
HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION
MONDAY, MARCH 16 THROUGH MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2026
The 28th HHIPC marks our 7th Young Artist competition, featuring 20 pianists (ages 13–17) from around the world. Each performs two recital rounds, after which a distinguished jury selects five finalists to play a concerto movement with the HHSO and Maestro John Morris Russell. Winners share a $25,000 prize pool, and the first prize winner returns for a concerto performance in the 2026–27 season. Tickets available January 2026 at hhipc.org.
MUSIC for EVERYONE
HILTON HEAD CHAMBER MUSIC INSTITUTE
Nine programs with a choice between pairs of concerts on SUNDAYS AT 4:00 PM and MONDAYS AT 7:30 PM
All concerts are at First Presbyterian Church 540 William Hilton Parkway (Business Route 278)
INVEST IN YOUR ORCHESTRA
Make a tax-deductible contribution with your ticket order to support HHSO programs.
Compound your gift by giving through the Heritage Foundation which will match your gift by 20%!
SELECT YOUR LEVEL OF SUPPORT
Friend: Up to $249
• Acknowledgement in HHSO Program
Supporter: $250+
• All of the benefits listed above plus
• HHSO Euro Sticker
Principal: $500+
• All of the benefits listed above plus
• Complimentary glass of wine or beer at a SoundWaves presentation
Artist’s Circle: $1,000+
• All of the benefits listed above plus
• Preferred Concert Seating
Concertmaster’s Circle: $2,500+
• All of the benefits listed above plus
• Invitation to Annual Individual Donor Reception at SoundWaves
Conductor’s Circle: $5,000+
• All of the benefits listed above plus
• Two Guest Passes to a concert performance
Chairman’s Circle: $7,500+
• All of the benefits listed above plus
• Reserved VIP Parking Decal
Silver Baton Circle: $10,000+
• All of the benefits listed above plus
• Private breakfast or lunch with Alan Jordan
Gold Baton Circle: $15,000+
• All of the benefits listed above plus
• Special reserved seating at the Fall and Spring Symphony Under The Stars performances
Platinum Baton Circle: $20,000+
• All of the benefits listed above plus
• Private dinner with John Morris Russell
Diamond Baton Circle: $25,000+
• All of the benefits listed above plus
• Private concert for up to twelve guests at SoundWaves
2025-2026 ORCHESTRA SERIES
In addition to the satisfaction of knowing that their commitment sustains the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Series subscribers enjoy many benefits, including priority seating, discounts off single tickets, and advanced notification of HHSO events.
ORCHESTRA SERIES TICKET INFORMATION
You may choose a series of nine, six, or three concerts from any of the Orchestra Series performance dates.
All ticket holders will be assigned seats according to:
• Your concert series of choice;
• Date of postmark or telephone order; and
• Level of support.
TICKET CATEGORIES
Category A
Orchestra Rows 1-12
Balcony All Rows Seats 1-14
Wing Left Rows 1-2
Category B
Orchestra Rows 13-19 Balcony All Rows Seats 15-19
3-4
NINE CONCERTS (Full Subscription)
Seat Preference: A $729 B $558 C $207
Choose nine concerts; receive confirmed seats for the season; receive early notification of special events to purchase designated seats.
SIX CONCERT PACKAGE
Seat Preference: A $486 B $372 C $138
Choose six concerts; seats determined after full subscription seats have been assigned.
THREE CONCERT PACKAGE
Seat Preference: A $243 B $186 C $69
Choose three concerts; seats determined after full and six concert subscription seats have been assigned.
CLASSICAL CONVERSATIONS
All HHSO Orchestra Series classical concerts are preceded with a preconcert chat with Maestro Russell, guest conductors, and soloists. These informative, thought-provoking, and engaging presentations open the door to the composers and their music, as well as the personal and professional lives of the performers.
Photo: thefrenchguy photography
Photo: Mike Ritterbeck
