It seems like yesterday that the Honolulu Symphony Toyota Pops was created. In fact, an amazing 10 years have gone by since Matt Catingub was appointed the first-ever pops conductor.

We're celebrating Matt's 10th anniversary on Thursday and Friday with a tribute during the first half of the Diana Krall shows. While we couldn't keep it a secret from Mat himself, we'll have a lot of great surprises for the audience. Amy Hanaiali'i, Jimmy Borges and Henry Kapono will join the orchestra to perform some of Matt's favorite songs. That's just the beginning. We hope that you can join us for what will be a fantastic night.

The orchestra business isn't something you read about every day. That's probably why many fans aren't aware that what's been created here by Matt and the symphony is unique. You simply can't find concerts like these in any other city.

For 10 years, Matt has had an immense impact on the Honolulu Symphony. With his leadership of the Toyota Pops, we have created a new concert format by bringing mainstream artists—and mainstream music—to a symphony stage.

On the mainland, most orchestras have pops concerts, but the music is geared toward light classics: some Gershwin and maybe a little classic Broadway. It's the same in every concert hall.

Not so for Honolulu, where we find a hybrid of contemporary and orchestral music.

It's no surprise that people of all ages flock to Toyota Pops concerts. Matt and the orchestra have shared the stage with pop stars, country music legends, multiplatinum-selling artists and Hawaiian music leaders. That's not everyday fare for a symphony orchestra.

Through 10 years of innovation, Matt has put the Honolulu Symphony on the mainstream entertainment map. When pop singers think about trying a symphony show, their first choice is often the Toyota Pops.

In the music world today, Honolulu is recognized for more than beaches and pineapples. Thanks to Matt, it's known for groundbreaking symphony concerts as well.

Here's to another 10 years!