Some of the world’s finest performers of fine music once again have Hilo in their sights. They will be part of the Hawaii Concert Society’s 2013-2014 season, which begins in September and runs until April 2014.
Some of the world’s finest performers of fine music once again have Hilo in their sights. They will be part of the Hawaii Concert Society’s 2013-2014 season, which begins in September and runs until April 2014.
The season was announced at the annual membership meeting of the HCS on Aug. 4. Seven concerts are scheduled, all at the University of Hawaii at Hilo Performing Arts Center and all starting at 7:30 p.m. The international artists who will perform in Hilo range from those who are already acknowledged as some of the world’s greatest musicians, to gifted young artists who are just now beginning to achieve international recognition.
The season-opening concert on Wednesday, Sept. 18, commemorates the 100th anniversary of the debut of Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring,” one of the most important works in 20th-century music. When first performed in 1913 at the Theatre des Champs Elysees, the avant-garde nature of the music and the choreography caused a sensation and almost a riot in the audience. The Hilo audience will hear it as it was originally composed — for piano four-hands — performed by Soyeon Kate Lee, who performed in Hilo two seasons ago, and Ran Dank. The artists will also perform solo works for piano.
The remaining fall concerts feature a string quartet and a brass quintet. The New York-based Escher String Quartet is a 2013 winner of an Avery Fisher Career Grant. The quartet will perform on Thursday, Oct. 10.
HCS will present a return performance by Spanish Brass on Tuesday, Nov. 19. From the passionate and evocative music of its native Spain to American spirituals, from Bach to Jobim and Ellington, this group is sure to be memorable and entertaining, as it was five seasons ago.
In the New Year Asteria — Sylvia Rhyne, soprano, and Eric Redlinger, tenor and lute — will bring to life the love songs of medieval Burgundy with an historically informed performance on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
The recently-announced winner of the 2013 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition is on the schedule for Thursday, Feb. 20. Vadym Kholodenko gave “a mesmerizing and exhilarating performance at the Competition, and the audience cheered him like a rock star,” said one critic.
On Wednesday, March 5, the Brasil Guitar Duo, praised for its tone, rock-solid rhythm, phrasing, and innovative programming, will blend the traditional with Brazilian works.
And finally, to close the season on Monday, April 21, HCS is presenting a piano quartet (piano and strings) for the first time in more than 25 years. Much music for piano quartet was written by the famous composers of the Romantic period. Violinist Iggy Jang, formerly the concertmaster of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, and pianist Jonathan Korth will be two of the musicians.
A season brochure with more information is available.
Season tickets may be ordered using the form in the brochure, or by using the form at www.hawaiiconcertsociety.com. Full season tickets are $112 for general admission, $89 for seniors (60+), and $56 for students; each is a 20 percent savings off box-office prices. Ticket orders for any custom-designed miniseries of at least four concerts also may be specified and also are available at reduced prices.
The brochure, which has been mailed to past and present HCS members, previous season ticket holders, and a large number of Hilo residents and businesses, is available at the East Hawaii Cultural Center or by phoning 959-4064 or 935-5831. Season ticket orders should be received by the Concert Society on or before Sept. 10.