Composer Stephen Melillo

The Lowcountry Wind Symphony (LWS) invites the public to a historic concert, directed by Donald F. Jemella. On the program is the World Premiere performance of ‘The Hope of Humanity.’ written by world-renowned composer, Stephen Melillo. While music compositions are often commissioned by an individual or ensemble, for the first time, audience and musicians were jointly invited to co-commission ‘The Hope of Humanity.’

In Melillo’s words, “Beyond the pangs of the present, know that one day, despite all else, Love, Peace, and Brotherhood – The Hopes of Humanity – will prevail.” The composer will be in attendance at both concerts.

LWS is a concert band made up of some 70 amateur and professional brass, woodwind, and percussion players from the greater Beaufort area. The concerts are FREE, but donations are gratefully accepted.

The Hope of Humanity will be performed at the following venues:

Friday, February 20, 2026, 7:00 P.M.

Beaufort High School

84 Sea Island Parkway

Beaufort, SC 29907

Sunday, February 22, 2026, 4:00 P.M.

Bluffton High School

12 H. E. McCracken Circle

Bluffton, SC 29910

About the composer of ‘The Hope of Humanity’:

Stephen Melillo, whose works includes five symphonies, music for small ensembles, film soundtracks, and literature for concert

Stephen Melillo in action

bands, has earned three Pulitzer Prize nominations. A prolific composer, he has been the recipient of the ASCAP Concert Award every year since 1992. A man of strong spiritual faith, each of his composition’s subjects is personally meaningful, running the gamut from life experiences to significant world events. Melillo and LWS Director Don Jemella have been friends and music colleagues stretching back more than forty years.

In writing ‘The Hope of Humanity’ Melillo was inspired by a walk in the woods near his home. He was awed by the sight of a great tree, imaging how the roots went deep and strong in the earth, the sturdy trunk reaching upward with its diversity of branches and leaves, and stretching toward the heavens. He saw that as a metaphor for the ever present possibilities for humankind, living together in peace, love, and harmony – his vision of The Hope of Humanity.

Within his compositions, he continues to celebrate imagination, resilience and the power of music!

Music on the program includes ‘Berceuse and Finale’ from Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite and additional compositions by Stephen Melillo.

In the second half of the program Soprano Mary Osegura Lara lends her expressive voice to one of Melillo’s works – ‘Love Not War,’ as well as three popular songs ‘You Raise Me Up,’ ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone,’ and ‘Eternal Father’ accompanied by the band. Ms. Lara is a former Marine who served as a clarinetist in the Parris Island Marine Band. She presently teaches Music and Language Arts at Beaufort Middle School.  Growing up in Southern California, she studied vocal skills with Genett Gamber. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, Masters of Education in Secondary Education and has been accepted in a PhD program. She serves on the Board of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Beaufort where she is a frequent soloist.

The Lowcountry Wind Symphony welcomes new members at any time. Talented high school youth are also encouraged to join us. Auditions are not required. For more information or to become involved in band operations support please contact director@lowcountrywindsymphony.com or 843-304-0543.

We invite you to join us for ‘The Hope of Humanity’ as together we continue ‘Exploring What’s Musically Possible’. For more information about LWS, please visit our website at lowcountrywindsymphony.com