Join us on Thursday, October 1, 2026, for a LUNCH (12:00-1:30pm) meeting at The View (1071 Celestial St, 45202), for a program with John Morris Russell, Conductor, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.

John Morris Russell has served as conductor of the world-renowned Cincinnati Pops Orchestra since 2011, earning acclaim for his dynamic programming, collaborations and commitment to celebrating America’s unique musical voice. A Grammy-nominated artist, he has worked with performers including Aretha Franklin, Amy Grant and Vince Gill, Rhiannon Giddens, Hilary Hahn, Cynthia Erivo, Sutton Foster, Steve Martin, Brian Wilson, Leslie Odom, Jr., Lea Salonga and Bob Weir. A sought-after guest conductor, Russell has led many of North America’s premier orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Boston Pops and National Symphony Orchestra. He also serves as Music Director of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and for more than two decades has led the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s acclaimed Classical Roots program, celebrating Black musical excellence.

Russell has contributed nine albums to the Cincinnati Pops discography and created the acclaimed “American Originals Project,” which has produced several landmark recordings, including the Grammy-nominated American Originals 1918 and 2026’s Harlem Renaissance with jazz pianist Marcus Roberts. His extensive work in music education has included Carnegie Hall’s LinkUP! concert series and the National Orchestral Institute and Festival, as well as educational programs with orchestras in Cincinnati, Windsor and Hilton Head. The former Music Director of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra and Principal Pops Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Russell has received numerous honors, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Windsor, the MacDowell Society Medal and Scouting America’s Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

RSVPs are required to attend, whether you are eating lunch or not, so if you would like to attend, please click HERE by 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 25, 2026, or contact [email protected]. If you are not a current member of the Rotary Club of Cincinnati, please note lunches are $30, and payment will be collected at the door via cash, check, or credit card.  Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

Meal Choices – 

Regular Entrée: TBA

Salad Entrée: TBA

Vegetarian Entrée: TBA