By Katherine Freeman and Chris Raskind
Special to The Island News
The Lowcountry Wind Symphony (LWS), under the direction of Donald F. Jemella, is pleased to announce an unprecedented program — the commissioning of a groundbreaking new work by world-renowned composer Stephen Melillo — “The Hope of Humanity.”
Prior to the premiere of this powerful piece during LWS’s February performances, the public is invited to become a part of its creation.
Commissioning music means that individuals or organizations become active participants in the creation of a legacy of music for the future. Anyone who is motivated to enrich the world with new music can commission a composition from a composer.
For the first time, perhaps in all music history, LWS invites individuals to join LWS as co-commissioners. Your name will be forever etched in history, listed in perpetuity as a collaborator on this extraordinary work.
While the composer owns and retains the rights to their own work, a commissioner is acknowledged on the first page of the musical score, on any official recording, in the performance program and often in other written materials.
Melillo was inspired to write “The Hope of Humanity” while he was on a walk and was drawn into the beauty of the majestic trees surrounding him. He considered these an incredible symbol of humanity. This living totem has roots that reach into the ground that characterizes humankind’s common bonds and continues to stretch into the heavens symbolizing people’s passion to transcend the ordinary.
To donate to this history-making opportunity and become a co-commissioner, visit LWS’s website lowcountrywindsymphony.com and click on the Support tab.
LWS is a concert band made up of some 70 amateur and professional brass, woodwind, and percussion players from the greater Beaufort area. LWS will premiere “The Hope of Humanity” on the following venues:
— Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at 7 p.m., at Beaufort High School.
— Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at 4 p.m., at Bluffton High School.
For more information, email LWS at contact@lowcountrywindsymphony.com. Follow Lowcountry Wind Symphony on Facebook and Instagram.
