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, E^b Major
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Sinfonia concertante, K.364, E^b Major
Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 4, Op. 60, B^b 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.