Subscription Brochure 25-26

HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

JOHN MORRIS RUSSELL, MUSIC DIRECTOR

MUSIC for

2025-2026 | 44TH SEASON

EVERYONE

Photos here and the front cover: thefrenchguy photography

T

Photo: Kaiden J. Wu

he Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra is all about music that brings people together. The 2025-2026 season celebrates composers, performers, and musical styles unique to America and distinctive to the Lowcountry. Impassioned performances, brilliant soloists, orchestral favorites, and exciting new works are hallmarks of every HHSO concert. Subscribe now and tell a friend to experience what great musicmaking brings to life.

—John Morris Russell, Music Director

MUSIC for EVERYONE

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.

2025-2026 • hhso.org

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.

MUSIC for EVERYONE

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

Photo: thefrenchguy photography

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.

2025-2026 • hhso.org

Special Events HILTON HEAD CHAMBER MUSIC INSTITUTE 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.

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.

SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS

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

Friend: Up to $249 •

Acknowledgement in HHSO Program

WING RIGHT C #2

CONCERT STAGE

BALCONY RIGHT B

BALCONY RIGHT A

SELECT YOUR LEVEL OF SUPPORT

WING LEFT C #2

WING RIGHT B #1 WING RIGHT C#1

Compound your gift by giving through the Heritage Foundation which will match your gift by 20%!

BALCONY LEFT B

WING LEFT B #1

Make a tax-deductible contribution with your ticket order to support HHSO programs.

All ticket holders will be assigned seats according to: • Your concert series of choice; • Date of postmark or telephone order; and • Level of support.

WING LEFT A #1

INVEST IN YOUR ORCHESTRA

You may choose a series of nine, six, or three concerts from any of the Orchestra Series performance dates.

WING LEFT C #1

All concerts are at First Presbyterian Church 540 William Hilton Parkway (Business Route 278)

ORCHESTRA SERIES TICKET INFORMATION

BALCONY LEFT A

Nine programs with a choice between pairs of concerts on SUNDAYS AT 4:00 PM and MONDAYS AT 7:30 PM

Supporter: $250+ • •

All of the benefits listed above plus HHSO Euro Sticker

Principal: $500+ • •

ORCHESTRA RIGHT A

ORCHESTRA LEFT B

ORCHESTRA RIGHT B

All of the benefits listed above plus Complimentary glass of wine or beer at a SoundWaves presentation

Artist’s Circle: $1,000+ • •

ORCHESTRA LEFT A

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.

TICKET CATEGORIES Category A

Category B

Category C

Orchestra Rows 1-12

Orchestra Rows 13-19 Balcony All Rows Seats 15-19 Wing Left Rows 3-4 Wing Right Rows 1-5

Wing Left #1 Rows 5-9

Balcony All Rows Seats 1-14 Wing Left Rows 1-2

Wing Left #2 Rows 2-9 Wing Right #1 Rows 6-8 Wing Right #2 Rows 1-8

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.

2025-2026 hhso.org

Photo: thefrenchguy photography

Photo: Mike Ritterbeck

Thanks to our 2024-2025 Season Performance and Special Events Sponsors

2025-2026 SEASON

HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 7 Lagoon Road, Suite 100, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 842-2055 • hhso.org