NEW FRONTIERS IN HAWAIIAN MUSIC
Inspired by Hawaiian traditions - looking forward, bringing us together
Fifteen years ago, American Music Festivals began an exploration of Hawaiian culture - its aloha spirit, diversity, and rich orchestral history. Concerts by the Orchestra of the Hawaiian Islands with performances on the Big Island and Honolulu set the stage. Celebrating Hawaiian composers, the natural beauty and quality of life in the Islands, and American Music Festivals’ mission of cultural exchange.
“New Frontiers in Hawaiian Music” is an initiative to help preserve (mālama) Hawaiian traditional culture with original orchestral works featuring local artists, appearing live, and in online offerings directed at an international audience. Programs that combine music inspired by Hawaii with other cultures. Promoting new music alongside traditional adaptations. Highlighting community causes throughout Hawaii, the USA, and around the world.
Philip Simmons is composing a series of orchestral pieces that demonstrate a sensitivity to local culture, the diversity of the Islands, and the need for us to come together as a community. In Hawaii this will be realized through live full orchestra concerts on all Islands. Working with his colleague James Avis, a marketing professional with decades of experience in Hawaii, they are committed to partnering with community stakeholders to bring “New Frontiers in Hawaiian Music” to residents of all ages and backgrounds.
MUSIC OF THE ISLANDS
Koa Suite evokes preservation of the land and its cultural heritage. A 12-minute work in five short movements, it will be presented with video accompaniment of stunning landscapes, touching scenes of nature, native celebration, and tender romance.
Hualalai Rhapsody is an 11-minute tone poem in two parts, beginning with “An Ancient Legend,” the myth of Kahānaiākeakua. It tells a story of a warrior hero, determined to climb to the summit of the great mountain who is beset by difficulties. He fights the elements, is threatened by the “Night Marchers,” and has a mysterious vision that frightens him, until he realizes it is that of a beautiful woman. They kiss, and he finds the strength to finish his mission. The second part, “Hualalai Today,” also flashes back to depict Hualalai at the time of King Kamehameha. The beauty of nature, sounds and moods of the sea and sky, and the mystery of his life there. We speed ahead to today, where our ancient warrior has been reincarnated and is now a modern-day resident of Hualalai, enjoying the fruits of life in paradise!
Threnody for Lahaina is a serious and respectful composition intended to memorialize what occurred in the 2023 Maui wildfires. Using carefully prepared dissonance, silence, sustained sounds amidst a pointillistic texture, and improvisation, the work is intended to break new ground and create intensely solemn meaning and effects. It culminates in a lamenting prayer for those who perished, and those who will contribute to its rebirth.
Composer Philip Simmons will be adding two more new works to complete the set:
Waikiki and Me and Waimea Valley.
American Music Festivals promotES cultural exchange,
presenting concerts that celebrate diversity
and preserve orchestral heritage.
American Music Festivals reaches out to communities through orchestral concerts that bring people together to experience the fine arts and humanities. Promoting cultural exchange we embrace diversity, celebrating our differences and discovering what we share as human beings--moving forward a conversation about equity and inclusion.
American Music Festivals is committed to preserving and furthering orchestral heritage. Our music making has attracted an amazing team of musicians, community advocates, and outreach professionals to our cause. It has helped us build partnerships and professional relationships with organizations and individuals around the world. Our concerts tell a story that speaks to the power of music to move people, help change perspectives, and to challenge norms. American Music Festivals is excited to continue to help provide professional orchestral programming throughout the many communities that make up Chicagoland, and around the world.
Thanks for being a part of our vision.
With Maestro Yuri Temirkonov, backstage at Chicago Symphony Center
Artistic Contributor Leonard Slatkin and Philip Simmons in Hawaii
American Music Festivals
has been committed to cultural exchange Since 1997.
Please join US AS WE BRING OUR UNIQUE VIEWPOINT TO CLASSICAL MUSIC PROGRAMMING.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE
In the United States and abroad we work with communities to share culture, celebrating our differences.
ORCHESTRAL HERITAGE
American Music Festivals helps preserve orchestral traditions--with a sensitivity to all the humanities.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Our collaborative events bring people TOGETHER, creating understanding and friendship.
ARTISTIC AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Through concerts and related outreach, American Music Festivals articulates cross cultural and intergenerational connections.
Sir Georg Solti Memorial Festival, April 2016
