Honolulu Symphony Orchestra Announces Season Featuring All-Hawaiian Composers Program
The Honolulu Symphony Orchestra is breaking new ground with its upcoming 2024-25 season, announcing an unprecedented program dedicated entirely to works by Hawaiian composers. The ambitious initiative, dubbed “Voices of the Islands,” will showcase pieces spanning from traditional Hawaiian musical forms to contemporary classical compositions.
Music Director Dane Lam revealed the program during a press conference at the Blaisdell Concert Hall Monday morning. The season will feature 12 concerts between September and May, each highlighting different aspects of Hawaii’s rich musical heritage.
“This isn’t just about programming local composers — it’s about celebrating the unique voice that emerges when Hawaiian musical traditions meet classical orchestration,” Lam said. “We’re telling stories that can only be told here in the islands.”
The season opens September 14 with world premieres of two commissioned works. Maui-born composer Keali’i Reichel will debut “Pele’s Dance,” a symphonic interpretation of Hawaiian creation myths, while Oahu native Dr. Roslyn Catracchia presents “Trade Winds Suite,” inspired by the seasonal weather patterns that shape island life.
Other highlights include a November concert featuring arrangements of traditional mele (songs) for full orchestra, and a February program showcasing the influence of Portuguese and Asian immigrants on Hawaiian musical evolution. The season concludes with “Modern Currents,” featuring works by contemporary Hawaiian composers under age 40.
Community Collaboration at the Center
The symphony partnered with the University of Hawaii’s music department and the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame to identify and commission works. Several concerts will feature guest soloists from the local community, including slack key guitarist Ledward Kaapana and vocalist Raiatea Helm.
“We wanted to ensure authenticity in every performance,” said Dr. Kimo Hussey, the symphony’s artistic advisor and ethnomusicology professor at UH Manoa. “Each piece has been developed in collaboration with cultural practitioners and Hawaiian music experts.”
The programming represents a significant departure for the 75-year-old orchestra, which has traditionally focused on European classical repertoire with occasional Hawaiian pieces. The decision follows years of community feedback calling for more culturally relevant programming.
Symphony board chair Patricia Wong emphasized the educational component of the season. Pre-concert talks will explore the historical and cultural context of each work, while the orchestra’s education outreach will visit schools across Oahu with smaller ensemble performances.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The “Voices of the Islands” season required a $2.3 million budget increase, funded through a combination of Hawaii Tourism Authority grants, private donations, and corporate sponsorships. Major supporters include Hawaiian Airlines, First Hawaiian Bank, and the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation.
Tourism officials see the program as an opportunity to showcase Hawaii’s cultural depth beyond traditional visitor attractions. “This gives our visitors and residents alike a chance to experience Hawaiian culture through a world-class artistic lens,” said John De Fries, president of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau.
Local musicians have embraced the initiative. Traditional Hawaiian music instructor Kahauanu Lake, who consulted on several arrangements, called it “a bridge between our ancestral voices and contemporary expression.”
The symphony also plans to record select performances for a documentary film about Hawaiian classical music, potentially reaching audiences worldwide. Distribution discussions are underway with several streaming platforms.
Looking Ahead
If successful, the all-Hawaiian composer season could become a model for other regional orchestras seeking to incorporate local musical traditions. Symphony officials are already fielding inquiries from performing arts organizations in Alaska, New Mexico, and other states with rich indigenous musical heritages.
Season subscriptions go on sale June 1, with single tickets available starting July 15. The symphony expects strong demand, particularly from the Native Hawaiian community and cultural tourism market.
For Honolulu residents, the season represents both a celebration of local talent and an opportunity to hear familiar musical elements in an entirely new context. It’s a reminder that classical music, like the islands themselves, continues to evolve through the unique blend of cultures that call Hawaii home.
