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Crescendo
Tom Gulick
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Director lauds symphony’s 2006-07 season
I'd like to introduce myself to you as the new executive director of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. I am proud to tell you that our organization is on a steady path toward success,
starting with the thrilling 2006-2007 season. There are many exciting things in store all this year, including a star-studded array of gifted artists and conductors -- performing the most popular classical music in history!
After a period of transition, the Honolulu Symphony is poised to solidify its role as the leader in arts education and is committed to reaching out to all of the residents of Hawaii. This orchestra is YOUR Honolulu Symphony. We are dedicating ourselves to performing not only at the Blaisdell Concert Hall, but also in your communities and schools. Please join us for a free concert at the Kapiolani Bandstand at 4 p.m. Oct. 8, and encourage your children's schools to attend our education concerts held throughout the fall at the Concert Hall, led by Aaron Mahi.
I have led many arts organizations, such as the Detroit Symphony, the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Ballet, and have rarely seen such potential in an organization for success. The musicians are incredibly dedicated to this institution and to this community -- raising families, participating in educational initiatives and getting involved in community affairs. They live in and among us and really care about Hawaii. When you support the symphony, you are supporting a huge network of music educators and community activists with real Hawaii connections.
It is critical that we build our audiences and increase awareness and appreciation for classical music. You should be proud to say that you live in a city that supports a world-class orchestra! Listening to the radio or popping in a CD cannot compare to the thrill of a live orchestral performance. I would like to invite you to experience this thrill again, or for the very first time. You won't be alone -- we have more than 600 new subscribers joining us this year.
Some highlights of the new season include this weekend's opening concert, featuring an all-Tchaikovsky program, conducted by the music director from the San Diego Symphony, Jahja Ling. Renowned Cuban pianist Horacio Gutierrez will perform one of the most famous piano concertos of all time, Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1. Next weekend's Pops concerts feature '80s rock legend Pat Benatar in the world premiere of her symphony tour. She will be performing her biggest hits, arranged by our very own Pops conductor, Matt Catingub.
We want to see you in the Concert Hall experiencing the joy and escape that only live music can bring. Come join us this year -- there truly is something for everyone!
Tom Gulick is executive director of the Honolulu Symphony. "Crescendo" appears on Monday before each concert in the symphony season to illuminate the works to be performed. E-mail comments to
suggestions@honolulusymphony.com