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Crescendo
JoAnn Faletta
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Escape into serenity at symphony
Visitors from around the world come to Hawaii to escape the strain of everyday life. Lush flowers, beautiful beaches, perfect sunsets and aloha spirit combine to offer the ideal getaway. But how do those of us lucky enough to live here find peaceful contentment? Where can we seek a few hours of relaxation?
'Sublime Escape'
Honolulu Symphony, with violinist Chee-Yun:
In concert: 8 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Sunday
Place: Blaisdell Concert Hall
Tickets: $12 to $65
Call: 792-2000 or Ticketmaster, (877) 750-4400
Also: Music students may attend an open rehearsal, 7 p.m. Thursday at the concert hall. Call 524-0815, ext. 226.
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The answer is simple: the Honolulu Symphony.
Experts tell us we need to find more ways to relax. And so we seek respite from ringing phones and clacking keyboards, when we can simply take pleasure in the moment. That's what Honolulu Symphony performances are all about -- pure enjoyment of beautiful music.
On Friday evening and Sunday afternoon, we present "Sublime Escape." And sublime it is. The gifted violinist Chee-Yun will perform one of music's most delightful works: the Violin Concerto No. 3 by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. This concerto is filled with tenderness, yet replete with awe-inspiring moments that will move the soul and fill you with serenity.
The orchestra will offer two more works that promise to bring enjoyment: Béla Bartók's "Dance Suite." Bartók, who was born in Hungary and moved to New York, probably knew well the stress of upheaval and change. He wrote "Dance Suite" for the 50th anniversary of the creation of Budapest. In the piece, you will hear traditional Hungarian folk songs that will fire the imagination.
We will also feature "Symphonic Dances" by the Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. Among the most popular composers of the 20th century, Rachmaninoff also made his home in the United States. "Symphonic Dances" was his last work, composed in the summer of 1940 on Long Island. In this "dancing symphony" you will hear a waltz, a glimpse of a hymn and sparkling rhythms.
The centerpiece of the concert is, of course, Chee-Yun and the Saint-Saëns concerto. This graceful work embodies brilliance and intensity; Saint-Saëns composed each movement with great passion, and the concerto is a musician's dream. I can promise you that Chee-Yun's interpretation will be an experience like no other.
"Sublime Escape" offers rich entertainment for everyone, from music aficionados to first-time concert-goers. Come take this special, sublime journey with music!
JoAnn Faletta is artistic adviser to the Honolulu Symphony and will conduct this weekend's performances.
Ignace "Iggy" Jang is the Honolulu Symphony's concertmaster. His column will appear on the Monday prior to each concert of the season to illuminate works to be performed. E-mail comments and questions to Jang at
suggestions@honolulusymphony.com
