ORCHESTRA SERIES 2026-2027

HHSO ORCHESTRA SERIES 2026-2027

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)

TICKETS ON SALE BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 1, 2026.

OLGA KERN – BEETHOVEN EMPEROR

ONE NIGHT ONLY!
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2026, 4:00 PM

John Morris Russell, conductor
Olga Kern, piano

Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor”
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet, Overture-Fantasy

BELLA HRISTOVA – MARSALIS CONCERTO

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2026, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2026, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, conductor
Bella Hristova, violin

Wynton Marsalis Violin Concerto in D
Antonín Dvořák Symphony No. 7

HOLIDAY POPS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2026, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2026, 7:30 PM

Bluffton concert
Saturday, NOVEMBER 28, 2026, 7:00 PM
St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Bluffton

John Morris Russell, conductor
Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Dr. Dustin Ousley, director
Melinda Doolittle, vocalist
Mana Takahashi, violin (2026 Youth Concerto Competition winner)

The Lowcountry’s cherished Holiday tradition features JMR’s eclectic
mix of music and merriment, vocalist Melinda Doolittle, and the
Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus.

SAINT-SAËNS ORGAN SYMPHONY

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2027, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2027, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, conductor
Antonio Marti & Paul Wesley Lott, trumpets
Chad Martin, organ

Henri Fredien Tomasi Trumpet Concerto
Antonio Vivaldi Concerto for Two Trumpets
Camille Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 “Organ”

“POP”era WITH JAY DREF

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2027, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2027, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, conductor
Jay Dref, vocalist

Jay Dref’s interpretations of timeless standards, beloved classical works, and contemporary crossover repertoire have positioned him as one of the most compelling vocalists of his generation.

BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 5

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2027, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2027, 7:30 PM

Joseph Young, guest conductor
Jeoun Lee, piano 2026 HHIPC Winner

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 5 “Fate”
Frederic Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2

THE SOLDIER’s TAle

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2027, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2027, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, conductor
Lean Ensemble Theater
Hilton Head Dance Thetre

Joseph Haydn Symphony No. 100 “Military”
Igor Stravinsky L’Histoire du Soldat

VERDI REQUIEM

SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2027, 4:00 PM
MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2027, 7:30 PM

John Morris Russell, conductor
Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Dr. Dustin Ousley, director
Claflin University Concert Choir, Charlie J. Toomer, director
With classical voices presented by the Savannah VOICE Festival

Giuseppe Verdi “Requiem”