EarRelevant Staff | 2 OCT 2025
BRUNSWICK, Georgia— The Coastal Symphony of Georgia will open its 43rd season on October 6, 2025, presenting a series of concerts that span classical, romantic, and modern repertoire, including both familiar favorites and recently rediscovered works.
Music director and conductor Michelle Merrill noted that the orchestra’s versatility enables it to transition seamlessly between different styles. “This regional orchestra stands out because of the high level of playing and its ability to perform classical, romantic, modern, and even jazzy music,” Merrill said.
The four-concert classical series begins with a program entitled “Expressions,” featuring works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Edvard Grieg, and Sir Edward Elgar. “Heavenly Joy,” the second program on November 10, spotlights Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 in G Major, reflecting a child’s view of heaven. The featured soloist will be soprano Ashley Fabian.
In January, the orchestra will present “Seasons,” including Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with CSG concertmaster Aurica Duca as solo violinist, followed by Symphony No. 3 of French composer Louise Farrenc. The season concludes May 12 with “Beginnings” at the new Center for the Arts on the College of Coastal Georgia campus, featuring pianist Ray Ushikubo as soloist in George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, along with music by Georges Bizet, Piotr Szewczyk, and Richard Strauss.
In addition to the main concert series, the Coastal Symphony continues its SoundBites programs, smaller ensemble performances held in intimate venues around Brunswick and St. Simons Island. The annual Christmas concert, scheduled for December 9 at Vitality Living in St. Simons, will feature the Jacksonville Brass Consortium and a holiday-themed program, accompanied by a cocktail reception. Another SoundBites event, “Marsh Moon Rising,” is scheduled for spring 2026, with details to be announced.
The orchestra’s Musical Mentors program remains active in area schools, introducing students to orchestral music and providing educational resources. A gala event is planned for late winter 2026.
Tickets for all classical concerts and the Christmas concert are available through the Coastal Symphony of Georgia website or by phone. For further information on locations, ticket pricing, and additional programming, please visit coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org or call (912) 634-2006. ■
Coastal Symphony of Georgia 2025–2026 Classical Series
- Monday, October 6, 2025 @ 7:30 p.m.
Brunswick High School Auditorium
“Expressions”
Michelle Merrill, conductor.
Samuel COLERIDGE-TAYLOR: Ballade
Edvard GRIEG: Lyric Suite
Edward ELGAR: Enigma Variations - Monday, November 10, 2025 @ 7:30 p.m.
Brunswick High School Auditorium
“Heavenly Joy”
Michelle Merrill, conductor; Ashley Fabian, soprano.
Gustav MAHLER: Symphony No. 4 in G Major - Monday, January 26, 2026 @ 7:30 p.m.
Wesley Church at Frederica, St. Simons Island
“Seasons”
Michelle Merrill, conductor; Aurica Duca, violin.
Antonio VIVALDI: Four Seasons
Louise FARRENC: Symphony No. 3 - Tuesday, May 12, 2026 @ 7:30 p.m.
Center for the Arts, College of Coastal Georgia
“Beginnings”
Michelle Merrill, conductor; Ray Ushikubo, piano.
Piotr SZEWCZYK: Fanfare
George BIZET: Excerpts from Carmen
George GERSHWIN: Rhapsody in Blue
Richard STRAUSS: Der Rosenkavalier Suite
The Michelle Merrill, music director of the Coastal Symphony of Georgia. (courtesy of CSG)
EXTERNAL LINKS:
- Coastal Symphony of Georgia: coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org
Read more by EarRelevant Staff.
RECENT POSTS
[display-posts exclude_current=”true” include_date=”true” date_format=” \• d M Y” offset=”0″ posts_per_page=”5″ image_size=”thumbnail” wrapper=”div” wrapper_class=”display-posts-listing image-left” meta_key!=”_thumbnail_id”
.png){kind=logo}