HHSO’s 45th season offers musical variety

The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra will mark its 45th anniversary with a nine-program 2026-27 season featuring works by Beethoven, Wynton Marsalis, Verdi, Mahler and other composers, along with guest artists and collaborations with regional performing arts groups.

The season opens at 4 p.m. Oct. 25 with “Beethoven Emperor,” conducted by Music Director John Morris Russell and featuring pianist Olga Kern. The program includes Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, known as the “Emperor” Concerto, and Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet” Fantasy Overture. A 45th anniversary gala celebration will follow the concert.

The season continues Nov. 15 and 16 with “Marsalis Concerto.” Violinist Bella Hristova will perform Wynton Marsalis’ Violin Concerto on a program that also includes Dvorák’s Seventh Symphony.

Three performances of “Holiday Pops” are scheduled Nov. 28-30, including a Nov. 28 performance in Bluffton. Russell will conduct a program featuring vocalist Melinda Doolittle, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus under director Dustin Ousley and violinist Mana Takahashi, winner of the 2026 Youth Concerto Competition.

The new year begins Jan. 17 and 18 with Saint-Saëns’ “Organ” Symphony. Antonio Marti and Paul Wesley Lott will perform on trumpet, with Chad Martin on organ.

Vocalist Jay Dref returns Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 for “POPera with Jay Dref,” a program combining classical selections, Broadway favorites and Italian songs.

Guest conductor Joseph Young takes the podium Feb. 14 and 15 for a program featuring Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Pianist Jueon Lee, identified by the orchestra as the 2026 Hilton Head International Piano Competition winner, and narrator Ahmad Ward will also appear.

The orchestra will join Lean Ensemble Theater and Hilton Head Dance Theatre for “The Soldier’s Tale” on Feb. 28 and March 1. The program combines music, theater and dance.

One of the season’s larger collaborations is planned for April 11 and 12 with Verdi’s “Requiem.” The performance will bring together the orchestra, HHSO Chorus, Claflin University Concert Choir and classical vocalists presented by the Savannah VOICE Festival.

The season concludes April 25 with a single performance of Mahler’s First Symphony, known as the “Titan” Symphony, conducted by Russell.

For 45 years, the orchestra has presented musical performances and programs throughout the Lowcountry. In addition to its Orchestra Series, HHSO programs include SoundWaves, Jazz in the Park, BravoPiano!, the Hilton Head International Piano Competition and youth education initiatives.

Individual tickets and subscription packages covering nine, six or three concerts are on sale. Subscribers receive preferred seating and savings compared with single-ticket prices.

For more information about the 2026-27 season or to purchase tickets, visit hhso.org/orchestra-series-2026-2027.