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Crescendo
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Cazimeros and Na Leo
join the Pops
Mele Kalikimaka! As I enjoy my second year living on this island, it's a thrill to see everyone enjoying such beautiful holiday weather. No shoveling snow or scraping ice off cars here!
Symphony PopsHoliday concerts featuring the Brothers Cazimero, Na Leo Pilimehana and the Honolulu Symphony Chorus:In concert: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 4 p.m. Sunday Place: Blaisdell Concert Hall Tickets: $30 to $75 Call: 792-2000 or Ticketmaster at 877-750-4400, or order online through www.ticketmaster.com
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This year has been exciting for both our special guests as their popularity continues to grow here and abroad. For those who haven't yet experienced the Brothers Cazimero, you're in for a treat. Brothers Robert and Roland Cazimero perform on the acoustic bass and 12-string guitar. They've traveled the world, sharing Hawaiian music with people who would never have had the chance to hear the sounds of the islands. The brothers have performed in Carnegie Hall, at the outdoor concert hall called "Wolftrap" near Washington, D.C., and at the Hollywood Bowl. They've also released an impressive 36 recordings and three DVDs, and have won 25 Na Hoku Hanohano awards during their career.
In September the brothers released their latest album, "Some Call It Aloha ... Don't Tell." This is their first album in six years, and many agree that it is their best -- definitely a great reason to catch their shows with the Pops.
Na Leo Pilimehana is an extraordinary group of women. As a female musician, I respect what they've accomplished. I feel that they represent real women leading real lives, and doing incredible things. They also remind us that we can pursue our dreams while remaining close to family and friends.
These are three women who met as seventh-graders at Kamehameha Schools, and they've recently released a new album, 20 years after their first hit recording, "Local Boys." This new album, entitled called "Find Harmony," is (in my humble opinion) one of their best. Critic Adam Greenberg, writing for allmusic.com, says that "on 'Find Harmony,' Na Leo does what they do best: make use of wonderful harmonies together to create textures of sound that feed into an easy listening, adult contemporary format. The songs are often based in Hawaiian themes and formulations, but it's much more easy listening music than it is 'Hawaiian' music in many respects."
During the Pops concert we'll have the chance to hear a few songs from the new album. It will be the only opportunity to hear Na Leo Pilimehana live until the end of the year and a great way to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Pops conductor Matt Catingub also worked as one of the producers and arrangers on this album, so he'll be happy to introduce you to material from the recording!
AS ONE OF the conductors on the Honolulu Symphony staff, I count myself lucky to have such esteemed colleagues, from maestro Samuel Wong to Matt. We're also lucky to have Karen Kennedy as music director of the Honolulu Symphony Chorus. She'll be directing the 130-plus singers of the chorus, who will perform traditional holiday favorites during the Christmas Pops concerts. Songs will include a Christmas medley for the men of the chorus, and we'll expect to hear the audience join in during a sing-along to "Deck the Halls."
This time of year, my thoughts are often of family and friends scattered around the world and in my hometown on the East Coast. It's also a chance to remember how lucky we all are to have such a warm and welcoming ohana here in Hawaii. The holidays are also an opportunity to spend time listening to music -- not just at the mall. The classical music world offers music that can lift our spirits and transport us to another world. Consider the music of Bach and Handel, the romantic piano of Chopin or the dramatic symphonies of Beethoven. If you need any suggestions for your holiday entertaining, please e-mail Iggy and me, and we'll send some ideas your way!
The holidays are also a time to consider how we can help the less fortunate members of our community. The Honolulu Symphony has been working with the Hawaii Foodbank to help feed Hawaii's hungry. We're holding a food drive at the concert hall and encourage everyone to bring canned goods such as cans of meats, fruits, beans and soup to drop off under our Christmas tree. The Hawaii Foodbank network serves more than 118,000 individuals a week, distributing food to 260 charities on Oahu, as well as food banks on Hawaii, Maui and Kauai.
On behalf of the Honolulu Symphony, we wish you a happy holiday season. I look forward to seeing you all next weekend!
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