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Aloha, Members and Friends, As the Hawaii Concert Society prepares for its 2008-2009 season, I invite you to become a new member of the Society or to renew your present membership. You can easily do this by filling out and returning the enclosed membership form, along with your contribution. I know that many of you have special memories of this magical season now concluding. For me there are simply too many to mention. Each concert has been satisfying and at the highest artistic level one could imagine. I am writing most of this letter one week after the dazzling performance by Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, which was attended by well over 500 persons. It was highly satisfying for us on the board to see such a large turnout, as well as one that was so evenly distributed among adults, senior citizens, and young people. Musically, the debut of the new Steinway piano was a dream come true and especially thrilling in that it was given by the so young but ever so talented and personable Joyce Yang, who left an indelible impression on all in attendance. I also cannot forget the vivacious personality and almost unbelievable technique of flutist Eugenia Moliner of the Cavatina Duo, performing the Carmen Fantasy. The energy and virtuosity of Interpreti Veneziani (and in particular its cellist) had us spellbound for the entire concert, as did the beautiful voices of Anonymous 4. And of course the world premiere of Keola Beamer’s beautiful and moving Malulani performed by him and the Spring Wind Quintet and danced by Moana Beamer enthralled the large audience and I think is one of the most noteworthy events in the cultural life of Hilo this year. |
As difficult as it may seem after this exceptional season, in the coming season we intend to maintain the quality and variety that you, our most supportive audience, have come to expect. In 2008-2009 we will be presenting another wonderfully diverse mixture of artists, including the young but rapidly rising Jupiter String Quartet and the older and very well established Peabody Piano Trio. We also will present for the first time a solo violist, David Aaron Carpenter, the winner of the most recent Naumburg Competition. Early music will be well represented by the Medieval/Renaissance wind band, Piffaro. And returning to our season after several years' absence will be baritone Stephen Salters, whose voice was recently described by the music critic of the Washington Post as sounding “like God on a good day.” To organize and present a season of music takes considerable time and effort, which our all-volunteer governing board and committee chairpersons are 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 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. Although many agreements with the artists for 2008-09 are finalized we are still discussing others as well as hoping to add educational activities that we all agree are of great value to our youth. Thus an early response by you is helpful to us in completing the plans for the coming season. 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 Hawaii, 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, Tom Geballe |
