2023-2024 Season

 

The Hawai`i Concert Society's 2023-2024 season is supported by the Hawai`i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA), and by the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF), through appropriations from the Legislature of the State of Hawai`i and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

Award-winning pianist and humanitarian, Mahani Teave is a pioneering artist who bridges the creative world with  educational and environmental activism. The only professional classical musician on her native Easter Island, she is an important cultural ambassador. Her debut album, Rapa Nui Odyssey, launched as number one on the Classical Billboard charts and received raves from the critics. Mahani will perform music by Bach, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and ancestral and contemporary music of Rapa Nui.

MAHANI TEAVE, PIANO

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023 

All performances are at the U. H. Hilo Performing Arts Center and begin at 7:30pm.

With a thirty-two year trajectory in the world of chamber music, Spanish Brass is one of the most dynamic brass ensembles on the international musical stage. Their live performances typically feature the passionate, Flamenco-flavored music of their native Spain, alongside Dixieland, Baroque, Christmas, Latin-American and favorite brass standards. Their dazzling virtuosity and intimate, light-hearted audience rapport make each concert an unforgettable experience

SPANISH BRASS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024

“Spanish Brass worked their magic from the opening chords.”   —The Brass Gazette


“They dazzled us with daunting passages fearlessly flown across the stage, brilliant color, and comedic moments that endeared each one of them to their audience.”  — Sarasota Herald Tribune

“Genuine virtuosity, without one note of bluff, bluster or vulgarity …. wide expressive range exquisitely controlled and intensely poetic … sincere, pure and magnificent artistry.“ - BBC Music Magazine


“Mahani Teave—guardian of the island’s traditions and an internationally recognized pianist.”

- Travel Pulse

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Our season-opening concert will include quartets by Mendelssohn, Bartok, and Beethoven.  Acclaimed for its bold interpretive strength and electrifying performances, the Verona Quartet is the 2020 recipient of  Chamber Music America’s prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award. Its members represent four different nations, but their unanimity of  purpose has earned them the highest plaudits from critics around the world.


“A dramatically charged performance…the listening experience was pure pleasure.”

—  Oregon Arts Watch


”The Verona players play and breathe as one.” — San Diego Story

VERONA QUARTET

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

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MIDORI

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024

We are honored to present one of the world’s preeminent violinists. Celebrated as a prodigy in 1982 when at age 11 she soloed with the New York Philharmonic and later at Tanglewood with Bernstein conducting, Midori is the winner of

countless awards and has also been honored both as an educator and for her community engagement endeavors. Her career transcends traditional boundaries through her relentless drive to explore and build connections between music and the human experience. With accompanist Ieva Jokubaviciute.


“She quietly plays, draws us in, allows us to be charmed or impressed, devoting all of her technique and insights into her gentle but powerfully persuasive renditions.”

- San Diego Union Tribune


”Midori remains one of the great violinists of our era, with a cool yet vivid string tone and ferocious rhythmic clarity.” - SFGATE

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Celebrating its 25th anniversary, and recognized as one of the world’s finest piano ensembles, Trio Con Brio Copenhagen’s multifaceted members not only tour extensively, but also are esteemed recording artists, artistic directors and educators. Hailed for their “unique sound and unity of interpretation” the Trio appears regularly at the world’s leading venues and concert series and has been in five previous Concert Society seasons. It has gained large faithful audiences, accustomed to their high expectations being met every single time.

TRIO CON BRIO COPENHAGEN

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024

                                                    “Sheer tonal beauty and passion.” - The Strad


“We can now see Trio Con Brio as the worthy successors of the legendary Beaux-Arts Trio. That says it all!” - DíapasoN

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ANNA GENIUSHENE, PIANO

TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024

Anna Geniushene’s fresh, layered, and powerful interpretations defined her participation at the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition (while seven months pregnant)—and won her the coveted silver medal, the adoration of fans around the globe, and the world concert tour that Is bringing her to our state.


“Powerhouse sound, forceful music personality,

     and sheer virtuosity.”  — Musical America


“Formidable technique and an amazing control of nuances.”   — Dallas Morning News


“Her velvety touch was especially effective. Her soft trills sounded like birds. Unique and original artistry with her exquisite interpretations and 

  delicate touch.” — Vancouver Chopin Society.

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CAVATINA DUO

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2024,

This electrifying flute and guitar duo has captivated us in two previous appearances, as it has captivated audiences across North America, Europe and Asia. Winner of no less than eleven international guitar competitions, Denis Azabagic has been described as a “virtuoso with flawless technique” by Soundboard Magazine. Eugenia Moliner is an exciting and imaginative flutist, whose vivacious stage presence is icing on the cake.


“An evening of music that was varied, entertaining and performed with exceptional virtuosity and panache.” - Fort Worth Star Telegram


“Eugenia Moliner, technically and musically the most extraordinary flutist I have ever heard ... incredible musical gifts of Azabagic.” - Sarasota Herald Tribune