Dear Friends of the Kamuela Philharmonic,

Here we are, beginning the third month of the first year of the third decade of the 21st century, experiencing what appears to be a significant reduction in rates of COVID infections, hospitalizations, and fatalities in our county and state, and some relaxation in gathering and travel restrictions, due, in large part, to the growing numbers of persons vaccinated, and continued observance of mask-wearing and cleanliness rules. The musicians, Board, and staff of the Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra Society (KPOS) sincerely hope that you, your family, and friends are well and looking forward to better times to come for all.

You’re probably aware that musicians of the KPOS have been performing free, small ensemble concerts in public locations, retirement homes, and nursing facilities around the island since December—helping to enrich the lives of our island’s people in fulfillment of our mission. Happily, all of the concerts, funded by grants and our GiveBigHawaii fundraising campaign in December, were well received and appreciated. We have more programs planned, but because future funding has become uncertain, we’ve necessarily suspended the program until funding is certain. But don’t despair. We plan to schedule a recording session for a group of our musicians at the Kahilu Theatre on April 18—the date initially reserved for a MasterWorks concert by the full orchestra—for public broadcast on the Theatre’s streaming platform, Kahilu.TV. Although the recording will necessarily be made without an audience because of the rules limiting gatherings, we’re confident that you’ll enjoy the recorded works of our talented musicians.

We’re also beginning to plan for the 2021-22 MasterWorks Season and anticipate that by October 3, the county’s gathering rules will have been relaxed to permit us to perform a live concert at Kahilu Theatre, with an audience in attendance. That concert is the first of the 2021-22 MasterWorks Season and will feature the winners of our Madeline Schatz-Harris Concerto Competition: Crystal Ferreira, age 10, a student of Dr. Thomas Yee, performing the 1st Movement of the Mendelssohn piano concerto, and Aimee Okagawa, age 15, a student of Wendy Yamashita, performing the 1st Movement of the Grieg piano concerto.

All of this, of course, requires funding, and the absence of ticket revenue makes our dependence on contributions from donors like you more important than ever before to continue our efforts to bring classical symphonic music to the people of, and visitors to, Hawai‘i County.

Your donations to KPOS are always welcome and can be made here, or by sending a check made payable to Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra Society to PO Box 2597, Kamuela, HI, 96743. We are qualified as a charitable organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, so your donations may be a deductible expense. Mahalo for your consideration, and we hope you will donate generously.

Aloha, and stay well,

Joel Gimpel, President
Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra Society