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As the Hawai`i Concert Society prepares for the 2011-2012 season, its
fiftieth, I invite you to become a new member of the Society or to
renew your present membership. Please accept this invitation by
filling out and returning the enclosed membership form, along with
your contribution.
I know that many of you have special memories of the marvelous season
now concluding. Although personally my major interest in our seasons
is usually classical music, I would have to say that without a doubt
my highlight of last season was the stunning performance by Noche
Flamenca. I am no expert on the subject but I think that our audience
experienced the essence, the very heart and soul of that art form. I
am proud that thanks to the efforts of our Board and the support of
our membership we were able to bring authentic flamenco to East
Hawai`i. We also heard wonderful performances from our chamber
musicians. I recall that as the Czech Republic's fine Zemlinsky String
Quartet began its performance with Haydn's "Emperor" quartet I had
the sense that this was the perfect way to start a new season. Pianist
Joyce Yang once again impressed with a prowess far beyond her young
age and totally enchanted us with her personality, as she had three
seasons earlier. And soprano Rachel Schutz, only a year or so older
than Joyce, was simply dazzling.
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In our banner fiftieth season we will maintain the quality and variety
that you, our highly supportive audience, has come to expect. The
coming season will feature renowned pianist and radio personality,
Christopher O'Riley of NPR's "From the Top". For soul-stirring
chamber music we will have England's Doric String Quartet, called
by some critics the finest quartet in the U.K., and Germany's
award-winning Atos Trio, recognized for its compelling intensity and
vigor. Ensemble Mirable, with widely admired violinist Elizabeth
Blumenstock, will present a concert of rare and extraordinary music of
the Baroque period. Late in the season we will hear a second solo
pianist, Soyeon Lee, the winner of the 2010 Naumburg International
Piano Competition, who has just received rave reviews from both the
New York Times and the Washington Post. We also will present a return
performance by the exhilarating Cavatina Duo (flute and guitar). And
the 50th season will open with a vibrant performance by Hawaii Opera
Theatre.
To organize and present our seasons take considerable time and effort,
which our all-volunteer Board is only too happy to provide. It also
takes financial contributions to help cover artists' fees and travel
expenses, production costs, insurance, and other expenses. Our members
play an essential role here, providing a financial platform upon which
each season is
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based. Support by members also accomplishes two other
important objectives: it keeps ticket prices low (so that more of our
community can afford to attend) and it helps cover the costs of
bringing our artists into contact with students via master classes,
workshops, and educational performances.
In making our commitment to present the above artists and others in
the coming season, we are trusting that your commitment to us, in the
form of tax-deductible membership contributions, will remain
strong. Your response will help us complete the plans for the coming
season and add the all-important educational programs and master
classes that our young students and musicians need. So, if you are a
member of HCS, please renew now and consider a larger contribution.
For those of you who are not yet members, consider the investment that
you will be making in the cultural health and growth of East Hawai'i,
the message that your membership sends to family and friends, and your
satisfaction in knowing that you have made a significant contribution
to our community. Please respond positively and generously.
On behalf of the entire Board, mahalo.
Thomas R. Geballe, President
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