KAMUELA, HI–The Kamuela Philharmonic proudly presents its MasterWorks concert, Greatness from Start to Finish, scheduled for Sunday, March 24, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea.
Under the direction of Artistic Director and Conductor Brian Dollinger, the Kamuela Philharmonic showcases a fabulous musical journey featuring Franz Josef Haydn’s Symphony No. 1, Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, and Jessie Montgomery’s 2024 GRAMMY Award-winning piece, Rounds for Piano and String Orchestra.
This concert promises an exceptional experience for classical music enthusiasts and beyond. Notably, the Philharmonic welcomes esteemed conductor and pianist Rei Hotoda as a guest artist, performing alongside the Philharmonic during Montgomery’s revelatory Rounds on piano. Hotoda is an active and critically acclaimed pianist and a force of nature, redefining the 21st-century concert experience with her boundless energy and visionary programming. Her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices, advocating for arts education, and blending contemporary compositions with timeless classics sets her apart as a true luminary in the classical music world.
Another notable and delightful twist to this concert is that Ms. Hotoda is none other than Maestro Dollinger’s wife, marking a special occasion as she collaborates with Dollinger for the first time for Hawai‘i Island audiences. It will surely be a memorable and heartfelt moment for everyone in the theatre.
“Rei and I have had the opportunity to perform together from time to time over the years, but each one is very special to me because I am exceptionally proud of her and want to share her talents with my orchestra’s audiences,” stated Dollinger. “Being able to share the stage from time to time is a great way for us to share in our work as musicians and not just talk about it.”
The concert begins with Haydn’s groundbreaking First Symphony, performed by the Philharmonic for the very first time. It is a testament to the genesis of symphonic genius and an exploration of musical inception, marking a pivotal moment in the classical music repertoire.
“Haydn has been called the ‘Father of the Symphony,’ having written over one hundred symphonies. He was the standard bearer of the genre and the composers who came after him were not only inspired by his prowess but also learned and expanded upon the techniques he created,” Dollinger added. “Hearing his very first symphony in its animating spirit and sophisticated layout will bring a wonderful contrast to the Dvořák symphony that is on the program as well.”
Closing the program is Dvořák’s beloved Symphony No. 8, renowned for its jubilant spirit and pastoral beauty, celebrating the landscapes of Bohemia and concluding the afternoon with a flourish of timeless melodies.
“Most anyone who would hear famous Dvořák’s ‘New World’ Symphony would most assuredly recognize a variety of parts from it, including the slow movement’s main melody often connected to the faux spiritual ‘Goin’ Home.’ But for me, his Eighth Symphony is quite a remarkable and memorable work that has surpassed the Ninth Symphony,” Dollinger continued. “Clearly a champion of Czech music, this symphony is fully infused with melodies, rhythms, and stories that are characteristically Czech. The journey that the listener will experience throughout this work is quite fulfilling—from the opening melancholy theme of the first movement to the brilliant, exciting, and just plain fun ending of the last movement. Dvořák truly understood the structures needed to tell a captivating and did so magnificently.”
Join the Kamuela Philharmonic at Kahilu Theatre on March 24th for an afternoon of musical excellence and celebration. Tickets are available now, and you can witness greatness from start to finish.
TICKETS
Tickets for “Greatness from Start to Finish” are $76 / $66 / $46 / $22. They may be purchased online or by calling the Kahilu Theatre Box Office at 808.885.6868 or visiting the Box Office in person at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, HI 96743 on Wednesdays from 10 AM – 2 PM, Thursdays from 4 PM – 8 PM, and during events.
The Kamuela Philharmonic’s presentation of Greatness from Start to Finish is made possible with support from Carol and Clive Davies, Joanne and David Turner, and Other Friends of Kamuela Philharmonic.
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The Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra Society (KPOS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing live, high-quality orchestral music to audiences on Hawaii Island. KPOS celebrates and promotes the timeless beauty of classical music, as well as the rich cultural and musical traditions of the Hawaiian people. The Orchestra is a charitable organization described in Section 501(c)(3). Those who wish to contribute to this endeavor, either financially or in other ways, are encouraged to contact the KPOS through its website or at P.O. Box 2597, Kamuela, HI 96743.
