The Orchestra of the Hawaiian Islands was founded in 2009 on principals hundreds of years old in Hawaii: sustainability, shared resources, and malama. It has become a part of the great tradition of orchestral music in Hawaii, which also spans back over a century.
As lava flows into the sea creating new islands, as the ocean waves carve away the shore line, so does the philanthropic landscape of Hawaii change. Part of American Music Festivals, the Orchestra of the Hawaiian Islands includes a sensitivity to cultural exchange, a willingness to collaborate and embrace the diversity and musical heritage of the Hawaiian Islands, and the know-how to make orchestral music relevant today.
OHI debuted at the Four Seasons-Hualalai resort on the Big Island March 20, 2010. Twelve members of the Honolulu Symphony flew to Kona to rehearse and perform alongside the acoustic slack-key guitar trio Kohala, led by Grammy Award winner Charles Brotman.
Next a cultural exchange with Japan featuring guest conductor Hiroaki Ueba at the Hilton Waikoloa on August 7 "Pacific Moon Under the Stars," again with musicians from the Honolulu Symphony.
On January 8, 2011, the orchestra performed "Lo'ihi, Birth of an Island" at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort. The first program of its kind, it highlighted composers who were born or resided in Hawaii. Guest performers were Anna and Danny Akaka, Jr. This concert included performers from the Big Island, Oahu, and Maui.
A number of outreach and educational concerts on the Big Island included performances by the chamber groups "Sakura," "Tropix," and the Orchestra of the Hawaiian Islands Guitar duo.
The Orchestra of the Hawaiian Islands debuted in Honolulu at Calvary by the Sea Church on December 14, 2013 with musicians from the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and emcee Howard Dicus.
Recent outreach includes performances by "Penelope and the Day" at senior centers, schools, and restaurants throughout Honolulu.
What is next for the Orchestra of the Hawaiian Islands? Be a part of our future. Call us at 808-315-0885.
