By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
Whether you're a classical music enthusiast or simply enjoy live musical performances, the South Shore Symphony’s series of five concerts for 2026-27 promises something for everyone.
The orchestra will open its season Sunday, Nov. 15, at a new venue this year — Redeemer Lutheran Church, 701 Valley Forge Blvd., Sun City Center.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with the church for the benefit of the community and to be considered one of its ministries,” said orchestra conductor and director June Hammond. “The sanctuary seats about 400, and its acoustics are very good.”
The theme of its first concert is “Happy Birthday, America!,” celebrating the country's music and spirit. The program includes a special tribute to honor the men and women who've served in the U.S. Armed Forces, along with stirring pieces such as “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “America the Beautiful” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever”; and popular selections from movies and musicals, including Henry Mancini's “The Pink Panther Theme,” “Days of Wine and Roses,” “Baby Elephant Walk”; and other audience favorites.
On Dec. 13, the holiday-themed “Christmas Magic!” concert follows with familiar carols and seasonal favorites, including selections from Tchaikovsky's “The Nutcracker Suite,” Leroy Anderson's “Sleigh Ride” and a suite from Silvestri's “The Polar Express.”
Then on Jan. 24, concertgoers will experience “Fire & Ice,” featuring an exciting array of northern European music, including a suite from “Frozen”; Rimsky-Korsakov's “Dance of the Tumblers” from “The Snow Maiden”; and Calvin Custer's orchestra arrangement, “Themes from 007.”
Romance fills the air on Feb. 28 with the Jerry Brubaker arrangement of Gershwin's “Rhapsody in Blue,” highlights from “Hello Dolly,” and a salute to Rodgers and Hammerstein, including “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “My Favorite Things,” “Some Enchanted Evening” and more.
The season concludes April 4 with “Classical Bits & Pieces,” a collection of audience favorites, like the overture to “William Tell”; Glière’s “Russian Sailors' Dance”; plus a salute to the cinema, including “Hooray for Hollywood,” “Singin' in the Rain,” “Over the Rainbow” and other popular hits.
Audience members receive a printed program at every concert that includes notes on each piece played, plus verbal snippets from the conductor, explaining what they are about to hear and things to listen for.
All concerts begin at 2 p.m., with doors opening at 1:30. Ticket prices remain unchanged this season: individual concert admission is $20; school-age children, $5; groups of 10 or more, $15 each; and flex tickets, which can be used in any way the buyer desires, are $75. Bring some family members or friends to a single concert, gift them individually or use them to attend all five concerts yourself.
They’re available online at https://southshoresymphonyorchestra.org, via email at SSSOtickets@gmail.com, at the church office on Wednesdays and Fridays between 9 a.m. and noon, or at the door.
Tickets ordered via email can be delivered within Sun City Center by request.
For the first concert only, Veterans are admitted free at the door.
“We play music our musicians love to play and the audience likes to hear,” Hammond said. “We hope you’ll come join us this season in our new home.”
About the symphony
The fully staffed South Shore Symphony Orchestra is a community-based orchestra founded in 2010 that performs seasonal concerts in Sun City Center. It performs classical and pops-style performances, while promoting appreciation for orchestral music in the South Shore community and making classical music accessible to those who may not otherwise have opportunities to attend professional symphony performances. It first performed in May 2010.
The following October, June Hammond — the orchestra’s current music director and principal conductor — joined as principal bassoonist. In 2011 she was named associate conductor and assumed her lead role in 2015.
The professional orchestra’s paid musicians range in age from a 20-year-old violinist to a 90-year-old first bassoonist.
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit group is funded entirely by private donations and occasional grants from organizations like the Interfaith Social Action Council of Sun City Center, whose generosity has helped the orchestra purchase percussion instruments, music stands, podiums and other essential items.