Symphony board
selects chairman

By Tim Ryan
Star-Bulletin

Robert Levy has been named the Honolulu Symphony's chairman of the board of directors who takes over for Lynne Johnson.

The Honolulu Symphony Society made the announcement this week at the annual meeting of its members.

Levy said one of his goals is to help "preserve and foster the arts in Hawaii."

"Although (Hawaii's) economy presents numerous financial challenges, the Honolulu Symphony is a premier performing arts organization comprised of outstanding musicians and an extremely talented music director," Levy said.

Levy, an independent businessman, and his wife Deanna, also a symphony board member, participate in philanthropic efforts on Oahu, and have given more than 8,000 hours of service at Queens Medical Center as volunteers.

They sponsor a scholarship that helps finance the training of about 40 nurses, pharmacists and medical technicians. Robert Levy also is a member of the Honolulu Academy of Arts Society of Academy Fellows.

Johnson steps down after four years as chairwoman. She will remain active on the Executive Committee, chairing the board's Development Committee.

"(Johnson) has played a critical role in the reopening and reorganization of the Honolulu Symphony," said Michael Tiknis, Symphony executive director. "Her determination and passion have helped return the orchestra to its successful status as the most important performing arts organization in Hawaii."

The Symphony also announced seven new board members:

Robert Carpenter, a respiratory care practitioner who has served on the executive board of the JoAnna Hodges International Piano Competition.

Robert Longwell, general manager of the seven-station radio group (KSSK-AM/FM, KIKI-AM/FM, KHVH-AM, KKLV-FM and KUCD-FM) owned by Capstar Broadcasting Corporation.

George Mason, founder and Publisher Emeritus of Pacific Business News.

Alexander L. Pickens, professor of education and special assistant to the dean for College Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Hawaii.

Edward K. Shikata, group vice president of the Automotive Distribution Group of Servco Pacific Inc.

Barbara Tomber, executive vice president of First Hawaiian Bank.

Sheila Watumull, managing partner of Watumull Investment Company.

Pearl City band joins symphony The Pearl City High School Band will perform Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture under the direction of Honolulu Symphony conductor Sam Wong when the second concert in the symphony's Russian Festival is held 4 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. The band has performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena; the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York; in Tokyo and in every Aloha Week Floral Parade in Honolulu since 1974. Tickets are $15-$50. One hundred seats at $7.50 each will be available at the box office up to one hour prior to each performance. The Russian Festival concludes Nov. 29 and Dec. 1 with pianist Jon Nakamatsu, 1997 Gold Medalist of the Tenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Call 538-8863 for more information.