“Each night Honolulu city lights bring me back again”

Hear and see the exquisite artistry of Slack-Key master Keola Beamer as he graces the stage with your HSO for the grand finale of the HapaSymphony series! Embodying the rich traditions of Hawaiian slack-key guitar while injecting it with new vitality, Beamer, a legend of Hawaiian music, showcases his iconic classics and fresh compositions in a way only a symphony orchestra can deliver. Don't miss this spiritual musical journey of aloha.

Fresh off their Carnegie Hall triumph, the boundary-pushing Junction Trio—violinist Stefan Jackiw, pianist Conrad Tao, and cellist Jay Campbell— bring their electrifying chemistry to their highly anticipated Hawaiʻi debut.

The evening features Ravel’s Piano Trio, celebrating the composer’s 150th birthday, and Brahms’ beloved first Piano Trio. Don’t miss this exhilarating start to HCMF’s Cultural Celebrations—an unforgettable night of passion, artistry, and virtuosity!

Concert Program

Maurice Ravel

Piano Trio in A Minor, M. 67

Johannes Brahms

Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major, Opus 8

Jefferson Starship, formed in 1974 from the remnants of Jefferson Airplane, has a legacy spanning decades, with roots in '60s psychedelia and success through the '70s and '80s arena rock scene. Known for hits like Miracles, Jane, and Count on Me, the band earned three platinum and eight gold records.

Puʻuwai Haokila:The Story of How Hawaiʻi Shaped Modern Music, a PBS Hawai‘i documentary, reveals how Hawaiian musicians, through their unique sound and invention of the steel guitar, helped shape blues, country and bluegrass. 

Narrated by Raiatea Helm, the film uncovers Hawaiʻi’s deep, global impact on modern music despite the political struggles they faced at home.

Following the screening, join us for a conversation with the filmmaker and featured guests.

Proclaimed by the New York Times ‘a pianist you want to hear no matter what he performs,’ Jeremy Denk is one of America’s foremost pianists. The New York Times bestselling author and MacArthur “Genius” shares the stage as soloist and conductor with your HSO for Mozart’s greatest concerto, the Piano Concerto No. 25.

Back by popular demand! Conjure the animated universe of Hayao Miyazaki's acclaimed and award-winning films with the spellbinding music of Joe Hisaishi. Featuring music from My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, and Kiki's Delivery Service, your Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra presents the music of legendary Studio Ghibli favorites in a symphonic performance.

Special guest, announcer and YouTuber Norie Green joins the HSO conducted by Composer in Residence Michael-Thomas Foumai for an unforgettable adventure of anime music perfect for fans and the whole family.

Please note this concert will be music only, not accompanied by a film screen.

Conductor Rick Benjamin returns for another silent film installment featuring Buster Keaton’s 1926 comedy, The General: A story of Love, Laughs, and Locomotives.

With multiple entertainment stages, locally crafted gifts, and food booths galore, the Waikiki SPAM JAM® block party is a a cultural tradion in Hawaii.

Waikiki SPAM JAM® is a fundraiser for the Hawai‘i Foodbank and there will be two tents set up for canned goods and donations. The festival also donates to the Waikīkī Community Center and the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawai‘i.

Enjoy Mozart’s classical harmonies and playful melodies showcased in this symphony of winds made up of a 13-musician ensemble of oboes, clarinets, horns, bassoons, and contrabassoon.

Program:

Selections featuring Mozart’s Harmoniemusik

INTERMISSION

Mozart Serenade No. 10 for winds in B-flat Major, K. 361 “Gran Partita”

Ichiko Aoba, a Japanese singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, has captivated listeners with her ethereal music since her debut at 19, blending her voice and guitar to transport audiences into her dreamlike, imaginative world. Over the years, she has expanded her sound, most notably with Windswept Adan (2020), where she merged classical guitar with orchestral arrangements, creating a sprawling artistic vision that included music, visual art, and an imaginary movie script.

Save the date for the next annual HEART of Honolulu Art Street Festival on Saturday, April 12, 2025! Artists and arts organizations take to the streets, shutting down Nuuanu Avenue in Chinatown and opening it to pedestrian traffic for everyone to experience and enjoy the HEART of the Chinatown Arts District, including art, free make & take crafts, live music, food, creative local vendors, performances and more.

Concertmaster, Iggy Jang, takes the spotlight in Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, and Principal Horn, Anna Lenhart, in Strauss’ First Horn Concerto. Showcasing the artistry of your HSO, Dane Lam conducts vibrant symphonic favorites, from Debussy’s dreamy Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, to Respighi’s sweeping depiction of the Fountains of Rome.

"With over 50 million video views and 400,000 social media followers, leading ukulele virtuoso, songwriter, producer, and 2019 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Favorite Entertainer of the Year, Taimane, joins your HSO for a HapaSymphony must-see performance. From originals to one-of-a-kind mashups of Led Zeppelin and Beethoven, Bizet, and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Taimane shatters the stereotypes of Hawaiian music bringing forth its depth and emotional complexity.

From a galaxy far, far away—experience Star Wars: Return of the Jedi like never before as your Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ Oscar®-nominated score live to the film.

In the climactic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga, Darth Vader readies the second Death Star to unleash the final blow to the Rebel Alliance. Luke Skywalker joins R2-D2, C-3PO and Princess Leia to free Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and launch a desperate attack upon the entire Imperial Fleet. 

Watch the complete film unfold as the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ legendary score live.
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox,
Lucasfilm Ltd. and Warner/Chappell Music. 
© 1983 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © DISNEY

From a galaxy far, far away—experience Star Wars: Return of the Jedi like never before as your Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ Oscar®-nominated score live to the film.

In the climactic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga, Darth Vader readies the second Death Star to unleash the final blow to the Rebel Alliance. Luke Skywalker joins R2-D2, C-3PO and Princess Leia to free Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and launch a desperate attack upon the entire Imperial Fleet. 

Watch the complete film unfold as the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ legendary score live.
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox,
Lucasfilm Ltd. and Warner/Chappell Music. 
© 1983 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © DISNEY

From a galaxy far, far away—experience Star Wars: Return of the Jedi like never before as your Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ Oscar®-nominated score live to the film.

In the climactic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga, Darth Vader readies the second Death Star to unleash the final blow to the Rebel Alliance. Luke Skywalker joins R2-D2, C-3PO and Princess Leia to free Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and launch a desperate attack upon the entire Imperial Fleet. 

Watch the complete film unfold as the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ legendary score live.
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox,
Lucasfilm Ltd. and Warner/Chappell Music. 
© 1983 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © DISNEY

Program:

Márquez Danzón No. 2

Shostakovich Jazz Suite No. 1

Lato Sat (Time)

Thomas Street Song

Campbell Three Chinese Folksongs

Sakai Three Scenes

Crespo Suite Americana

Blaisdell subscribers pre-sale starts Thursday, January 23 at 11:00 A.M. HST
Pre-sale is online only and is exclusive to Hawaiʻi residents – Pre-Sale Code: ADVICE
Get tickets before they go on sale to the mainland 
Friday, January 24 at 1:00 P.M. HST.Experience a night of electrifying magic as global K-POP sensation Taemin delivers his chart-topping hits with signature dance prowess, magnetic vocals, and breathtaking choreography. Renowned for his seductive charisma and captivating stage presence, Taemin has redefined performance in K-POP. His solo career is groundbreaking, beginning with the chart-topping EP ACE (2014) and followed by hits like Press It (2016) and the cultural phenomenon Move (2017), which transformed K-POP choreography with its genre-defying sound.

Program:

Márquez Danzón No. 2

Shostakovich Jazz Suite No. 1

Lato Sat (Time)

Thomas Street Song

Campbell Three Chinese Folksongs

Sakai Three Scenes

Crespo Suite Americana

Be among the first in Hawaiʻi to experience the excitement and adrenaline-fueled drama of this awesome symphonic music, as the epic universes of The Witcher 3, World of Warcraft, Ori, The Elder Scrolls, Assassin‘s Creed, Guild Wars 2, Portal 2, BioShock, League of Legends and many others unfold before your eyes with your Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra!
Featuring concert premieres of stunning symphonic music from an unprecedented lineup of blockbuster video games, Game ON! combines unrivaled symphonic arrangements with stunning, never-before-seen HD video at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.

Be among the first in Hawaiʻi to experience the excitement and adrenaline-fueled drama of this awesome symphonic music, as the epic universes of The Witcher 3, World of Warcraft, Ori, The Elder Scrolls, Assassin‘s Creed, Guild Wars 2, Portal 2, BioShock, League of Legends and many others unfold before your eyes with your Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra!
Featuring concert premieres of stunning symphonic music from an unprecedented lineup of blockbuster video games, Game ON! combines unrivaled symphonic arrangements with stunning, never-before-seen HD video at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.

Striking Light Striking Dark Duo formed in 2014, with the release of a CD of the same name. This CD featured selected poetry sung from the works of Rainer Maria Rilke (Germany), Pablo Neruda (Chile), John Logan, Sam Hamill (American) and the ancient Japanese Zen-inspired text, Kyotaku Denki, set to original compositions by Sasha Bogdanowitsch (voice and various world instruments) and Christopher Yohmei Blasdel (Shakuhachi).

The Beethoven Festival comes to a resounding finale with the might of symphonic voices for Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 paired with the re-discovery of Hawaiʻi composer Dai Keong Lee’s Pulitzer nominated Symphony No. 2.

"Ron Artis II and Friends," a dynamic performance featuring the acclaimed artist Ron Artis II alongside special guest John Oates. Renowned for his soulful and genuine songwriting, Artis, hailing from Haleiwa, HI, brings an original and electrifying musical experience.

The Beethoven Festival returns, and opposites attract in the fate-filled Symphony No, 5, and the light-hearted Symphony No.8. A two-faced portrait of the classical romantic, experience the famous opening notes of the Fifth that has rocked classical music forever.

Celebrate the timeless genius of Beethoven with two of his most cherished chamber compositions.

Program:

Beethoven String Quartet No. 7 in F Major, Op.59, No.1 (“Razumovsky”)

INTERMISSION

Beethoven Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20

Unicorn Productions 808 presents “A Groovy Psychedelic Experience” hosted by TMP, i,e, The Mackay Project.

TMP is the brainchild of mallet percussionist Thomas Mackay. From 1999 thru 2001, Thomas was involved in the psychedelic movement that came out of Eugene, Oregon. Performing alongside members of the Grateful Dead and other Bay Area legends, he was also part of the last Acid Test that was put on by Ken Kesey and The Merry Pranksters. Thomas is now residing in Honolulu, Hawaii. Thomas formed TMP in 2016 to bring this psychedelic experience to Hawaii’s music scene. We are excited to debut a new lineup of musicians that all reside here on Oahu. From the Bay Area, veteran bassist Rich Ray (The Mudsharks), from Colorado, drummer Cristian Pangaribaun (Purple Buddha) and from the East Coast, vocalist Noah Newton. TMP will be blending a highly improvisational tapestry of sonic exploration blended with the music of Zappa, phish, and Pink Floyd. To make this night a full on psychedelic experience, Unicorn productions 808 and Next Door will feature an “old skool liquid light show“ that will flow with music of TMP.