HONOLULU – Maestro Samuel Wong and the Honolulu Symphony today announced the 2004-2005 Halekulani MasterWorks Season featuring a lineup of classical music’s foremost artists and celebrated repertoire, including masterpieces such as Dvorák’s Symphony No. 9 From the New World, Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3, and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. The Season opens on Friday, September 17, 2004, with Taiwanese-American violinist Cho-Liang Lin performing Bernstein’s Serenade. The season continues with virtuoso cellist Alisa Weilerstein and the Dvorák Cello Concerto, and dazzling Chinese pianist Lang Lang and Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3.

In this new season, pianist Lisa Nakamichi performs Mozart’s enchanting Piano Concerto No. 23 and the Symphony’s own Concertmaster Ignace (Iggy) Jang performs the exhilarating Khachaturian Violin Concerto. Violinist Sarah Chang – recognized the world over as one of classical music’s most captivating and gifted artists – makes her much-anticipated return to the Honolulu Symphony for the Season Finale to perform the captivating Shostakovich Violin Concerto.

“The 2004-2005 season will bring a trio of top international stars to the Honolulu Symphony: Cho-Liang Lin, Lang Lang and Sarah Chang will perform with our outstanding orchestra and I’m confident that audiences will be thrilled with these engaging concert programs,” said Music Director Samuel Wong. “One of the highlights of the season will surely be Lang Lang – a young pianist who has taken the world by storm – when he makes his long awaited Honolulu debut in our Russian Masters program.” In 2004-2005, the Honolulu Symphony continues its programming philosophy of paying tribute to the cultural roots of the people of Hawaii through two East Meets West concerts featuring the Chinese pipa (Chinese lute) and Japanese taiko drums. The Season also includes the majestic Honolulu Symphony Chorus in performance of two of classical music’s great choral masterworks: Haydn’s magnificent The Creation and Handel’s inspirational Messiah.

”Together with the Honolulu Symphony Chorus, we will take pleasure in two of the most celebrated choral masterpieces of music history,” continued Wong. “Handel wrote Messiah in a fever of inspiration in less than a month. And, for those who prefer to start in the beginning, Haydn’s great opus, The Creation, starts with Genesis 1:1.”

New in 2004-2005 are the MasterWorks Celebrate The Season concerts, featuring traditional Baroque favorites to usher in the holiday season. The From Mozart to Jupiter concerts feature composer Bright Sheng’s spirited Tibetan Swing, which is based upon a Tibetan dance rhythm, and Holst’s mystical The Planets, which features the magical voices of the women of the Honolulu Symphony Chorus.

“The 2004-2005 Halekulani MasterWorks Season was made possible by the remarkable artistic work of our Symphony and Maestro, as well as the continued support and generosity of our subscribers, donors and patrons at all levels,” said Honolulu Symphony President, Stephen Bloom.

“We are pleased to announce that we will premiere a new work in our Thunder From the East! concerts,” said Bloom. “The Honolulu Symphony has commissioned an East Meets West Drum Concerto, which will receive its world premier in April 2005. The Symphony’s own Stuart Chafetz and the electrifying Kenny Endo will join together to perform this ground-breaking timpani and taiko drum concerto.”

2004-2005 Halekulani MasterWorks Season:

13 Fridays at 8:00 pm + Season Finale with Sarah Chang, Saturday at 8:00 p.m. 14 Sundays at 4:00 pm All Concerts at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall. Programs, Artists and Dates subject to change.

CHO-LIANG LIN – SEASON OPENING! Friday, September 17 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, September 19 at 4:00 p.m.

Samuel Wong, conductor

Cho-Liang Lin, violin

BERNSTEIN, Serenade; DVORAK, Symphony No. 9 in E minor, op. 95 From the New World

Known the world over for the beauty of his sound and technical mastery, Cho-Liang (Jimmy) Lin is one of today’s foremost violin virtuosos, appearing annually with major orchestras and on key recital and chamber music series on five continents. Acclaimed for his beautifully nuanced playing, Mr. Lin was chosen by Musical America in 2000 as its “Instrumentalist of the Year.”

Dvorák’s Symphony No. 9 From the New World was written in 1893 when the composer served as Director of New York City’s National Conservatory of Music. That same year, it had its first performance in New York at Carnegie Music Hall, with Anton Seidl leading the New York Philharmonic. From the New World marks one of the first times that a composer used Native- and African-American elements in a classical composition and it continued to influence new compositions throughout the next century.

DVORAK & BRAHMS – A BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Friday, September 24 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, September 26 at 4:00 p.m.

Emil de Cou, guest conductor

Alisa Weilerstein, cello

DVORAK, Carnival Overture, op. 92; DVORAK, Cello Concerto in B minor, op. 104; BRAHMS, Symphony No. 4 in E minor, op. 98

The Honolulu Symphony honors the 100th anniversary of Dvorák’s death with the romantic Cello Concerto, and the return of virtuoso cellist Alisa Weilerstein. On Weilerstein, The New York Times wrote that “Watching her became a lesson in the art of listening... an ecstasy and a generosity that lift performance into a realm of pure happiness.” The expressive, repertoire-crowning Cello Concerto is said to have been inspired by a visit to Niagara Falls: “That will be a symphony in B minor,” Dvorák reportedly exclaimed. Born in a Bohemian region that is now part of the Czech Republic, Dvorák wrote the Cello Concerto during his years in America and it reflects genuine nostalgia for his native country.

The Cello Concerto, with its “unmistakable Slavic Folk quality,” and Brahms’ valedictory Symphony No. 4 will dazzle concertgoers in this evening of Bohemian rapture!

FROM MOZART TO JUPITER Friday, October 8 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 10 at 4:00 p.m.

Joan Landry, guest conductor

Lisa Nakamichi, piano

Honolulu Symphony Chorus BRIGHT SHENG, Tibetan Swing; MOZART, Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488; HOLST, The Planets, op. 32

Take a musical journey with Lisa Nakamichi and Mozart as we travel to the far-ends of the galaxy! Called “born to play Mozart” by the Honolulu Advertiser, Nakamichi will thrill concertgoers with her artistry and Mozart’s heavenly Piano Concerto No. 23.

“A blend of astrology and mythology, austerity and voluptuousness,” Holst’s The Planets is a true orchestral showpiece. Music and astrology come together in this suite devoted to the seven planets, as the Honolulu Symphony and the Honolulu Symphony Chorus blend together in beautiful harmony.

RUSSIAN MASTERS WITH LANG LANG Friday, October 15 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 17 at 4:00 p.m.

Samuel Wong, conductor

Lang Lang, Piano

TCHAIKOVSKY, Selections from Swan Lake; PROKOFIEV, Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, op. 26; STRAVINSKY, Petrouchka (1947 version)

Celebrated for his “precocious blend of technique, sense, and sensibility,” pianist Lang Lang makes his Hawaii debut with Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3. With his infectious enthusiasm, Lang Lang promises to delight concertgoers with his artistry in this evening of Great Russian Masters.

One of the 20th century’s finest ballet scores, Stravinsky’s Petrouchka is the story of a puppet’s love for a ballerina. Recognized as a tour de force of “exotic ideas and vibrant orchestral sounds,” Petrouchka combines folk melodies with poetic rhythms to create a powerful celebration of life.

“AND THERE WAS LIGHT” Friday, October 22 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 24 at 4:00 p.m.

Samuel Wong, conductor

Karen Kennedy, chorus director

Honolulu Symphony Chorus

HAYDN The Creation (Die Schöpfung)

Haydn’s beloved masterpiece, The Creation, is heralded for its soul-stirring “tremendous freshness of sound.” The magnificent voices of the Honolulu Symphony Chorus join together in performance of this renowned magnum opus of the choral repertoire.

Based on the creation story and Milton’s Paradise Lost, The Creation has delighted and inspired audiences since 1798. When Haydn visited London in 1791 and attended a performance of Handel’s Messiah in Westminster Abbey, he is said to have stated: “I want to write a work that will give permanent fame to my name in the world.” Haydn succeeded, and from its first performances, when enormous crowds gathered outside the Schwarzenberg Palace in Vienna to watch the invited guests arrive, The Creation has been acknowledged as one of classical music’s greatest works of art.

REEL TO REAL Friday, November 5 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, November 7 at 4:00 p.m.

Samuel Wong, conductor

Music and film blend melodiously in this multi-media collaboration with the Hawaii International Film Festival. From the earliest days of film, directors have looked to composers, musicians and the symphony orchestra to bring on-screen images to life. Come and explore this new world of “moving” compositions and the visual arts!

Program to be announced from the stage.

AMERICA’S HEROES – VETERAN’S DAY TRIBUTE Friday, November 12 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, November 14 at 8:00 p.m.

Samuel Wong, conductor

Thomas Yee, piano

COPLAND, Lincoln Portrait; GERSHWIN, Rhapsody in Blue; COPLAND, Symphony No. 3

Join the Honolulu Symphony as we honor all those who keep our great nation safe and strong.

Composed during the Second World War and first performed on May 14, 1942 with Andre Kostelanetz conducting the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the moving narrative of Lincoln Portrait was inspired by Lincoln’s speeches and letters. CELEBRATE THE SEASON! Friday, November 26 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, November 28 at 4:00 p.m.

Edwin Outwater, guest conductor

BACH, Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major; HANDEL, Water Music Suite No. 1 in F Major; BACH, Orchestral Suite No. 3

Begin the season with brilliance! Rejoice in the spirit of the holidays as the Honolulu Symphony performs traditional Baroque favorites of Bach and Handel. Come share the joyfulness and beautiful music that can only be found at a Honolulu Symphony holiday concert!

ROMEO AND JULIET – BERLIOZ, TCHAIKOVSKY AND PROKOFIEV Friday, January 7 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, January 9 at 4:00 p.m.

Samuel Wong, conductor

BERLIOZ, Selections from Romeo and Juliet; TCHAIKOVSKY, Romeo and Juliet Overture – Fantasy; PROKOFIEV, Selections from Romeo and Juliet

Passion and tragedy. Love and betrayal. An evening of masterpieces inspired by Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers. Tchaikovsky composed the Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture at the age of 29 – the same age as Shakespeare when he created the play that inspired this passionate Honolulu Symphony program.

EAST MEETS WEST: A PIPA CONCERTO Friday, March 11 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 13 at 4:00 p.m.

Alistair Willis, guest conductor Yang Jing, pipa

MINORU MIKI, Pipa Concerto

Inspired by the formation of Orchestra Asia – combining traditional instruments of China, Japan and Korea – and the sounds of the pipa (Chinese lute), composer Minoru Miki wrote his enchanting pipa “folk” concerto to preserve and develop the diversity of Asian cultures. Miki dedicated the concerto to China’s most renowned pipa soloist, Yang Jing. Join us as the Honolulu Symphony unites these great artists for a must-see performance!

Loved throughout China for centuries, the pipa is a four-stringed lute: a pear-shaped, plucked string instrument. One of the oldest Chinese musical instruments, it first appeared in written texts during the second century BC. The pipa is a principal instrument in the traditional Chinese orchestra and is also popular as a solo instrument in chamber and orchestral genres.

MESSIAH Easter Weekend! Friday, March 25 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 27 at 4:00 p.m.

Samuel Wong, conductor

Karen Kennedy, chorus director

Honolulu Symphony Chorus

HANDEL, Messiah

Greeted with “delirious excitement” at its premiere on April 13, 1972, Handel’s great choral masterpiece, Messiah, represents music at its most majestic and sublime. Handel’s most highly-esteemed and popular work, Messiah was first performed in Dublin and in its review, the Dublin Gazette wrote: “Words are wanting to express the exquisite delight it afforded...”

Despite having suffered a stroke, Handel wrote this magnificent work in only twenty-three days. Influenced both the Old and New Testaments, Messiah reflects the human experience: hope and fulfillment, suffering and death, resurrection and redemption.

Messiah rises to great exquisiteness as it reaches its illustrious Hallelujah chorus. Of this chorus, Handel said: “I did think I did see all heaven before me and the great God himself!”

THUNDER FROM THE EAST! Friday, April 1 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, April 3 at 4:00 p.m.

Samuel Wong, conductor

Stuart Chafetz, timpani

Kenny Endo, taiko drums

MOZART, Overture to The Abduction from the Seraglio, K. 384; NEW! East West Drum Concerto; BORODIN, In the Steppes of Central Asia; BARTOK, Suite from The Miraculous Mandarin, op. 19

The legendary Kenny Endo and the Symphony’s own Stuart Chafetz unite for the world-premiere of an East West Drum Concerto, commissioned by the Honolulu Symphony for its East Meets West programming initiative. Join the Honolulu Symphony as we pay tribute to the cultural roots of the people of Hawaii and forge new ties between East and West.

Kenny Endo is the first non-Japanese national to receive a natori, or stage name in hogaku hayashi (Japanese classical percussion). In 1980, Endo embarked on a decade-long odyssey throughout Japan to discover his artistic heritage. In the process, he became a recognized master of both taiko and classical Japanese drumming.

IGGY JANG PLAYS KHACHATURIAN Friday, May 13 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, May 15 at 4:00 p.m.

Alasdair Neale, guest conductor

Ignace Jang, violin

ADAMS, The Chairman Dances: Foxtrot for Orchestra; KHACHATURIAN, Violin Concerto; TCHAIKOVSKY, Symphony No. 5 in E minor, op. 64

With exotic beauty and rich texture, concertmaster Ignace (Iggy) Jang performs Khachaturian’s dramatic violin concerto.

Born in Armenia prior to the rise of the Soviet Union, Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978) was heavily influenced by the region’s folk music and folklore. As the composer has put it simply: “being an Armenian I cannot help writing Armenian music.” One of the most popular and successful composers of the Soviet period, Khachaturian established his international reputation with the Violin Concerto (1940).

SARAH CHANG – SEASON FINALE **Saturday, May 21 at 8:00 p.m.** Sunday, May 22 at 4:00 p.m.

Samuel Wong, conductor

Sarah Chang, violin

RIMSKY-KORSAKOV, Overture to May Night; SHOSTAKOVICH, Violin Concerto, op.99; BEETHOVEN, Symphony No. 5 in C minor, op.67

Recognized the world over as one of classical music’s most captivating and gifted artists, violinist Sarah Chang makes her much-anticipated return to Honolulu in this spectacular season finale concert. Called “A musician of virtuosity and artistic insight” by the San Francisco Chronicle, and “a wizard on the violin,” by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Sarah Chang will enthrall concert-goers with her performance of the Shostakovich Violin Concerto.

Call the Honolulu Symphony Box Office at 1-808-792-2000 for more information.

# # #