Honolulu Symphony
Encyclopedia
The Honolulu Symphony, also known as the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, was founded in 1900. The Honolulu Symphony is the oldest symphony orchestra in the USA west of the Rocky Mountains
. Originally housed in a clubhouse on the slopes of Punchbowl, the Honolulu Symphony now plays from the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall
in downtown Honolulu
.
The Honolulu Symphony has undergone a series of transformations over the course of its first century, responding to the challenges and opportunities of the times. It has endured two World Wars, the Great Depression, financial crises, and changing musical and cultural fashions.
From 1996 to 2004, the Honolulu Symphony was under the direction of conductor Samuel Wong
. Previous music directors include Fritz Hart (1937–49), George Barati, Robert La Marchina, Donald Johanos
(1979–94) and JoAnn Falletta
. The symphony also performs popular music under the direction of pops conductor Matt Catingub as the Honolulu Pops.
In August 2007, Andreas Delfs
, current music director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
, officially became principal conductor of the Honolulu Symphony. He will lead seven concerts per season in the orchestra's Halekulani Masterworks series.
On October 30, 2009, the Honolulu Symphony Society's board of directors voted to file for Chapter 11 protection. On November 6, the symphony announced the cancellation of concerts for the remainder of the 2009-2010 season and that it would be filing for bankruptcy, citing a big drop in donations. The organization said it was $1 million in debt and did not have enough money to support operations into November and beyond.
In May 2010, the symphony’s leaders said their goal was to decrease annual expenses to $4 million, from $8 million previously. The symphony’s 40-performance calendar would also be cut in half, with performances at smaller venues and different ticket prices, aiming to fill all seats with paying customers. The symphony was given an October 15 deadline to file its Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. In December 2010 it was announced that the symphony would be liquidated under Chapter 7 and end operations after 110 years.
In April 2011, a group of Hawaii businesspeople called the Symphony Exploratory Committee announced efforts to revive the symphony. The committee bought out the symphony's assets, and negotiated a new three year contract with the musicians, planning to open a new season in fall of 2011.
Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains are a major mountain range in western North America. The Rocky Mountains stretch more than from the northernmost part of British Columbia, in western Canada, to New Mexico, in the southwestern United States...
. Originally housed in a clubhouse on the slopes of Punchbowl, the Honolulu Symphony now plays from the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall
Neal S. Blaisdell Center
The Neal S. Blaisdell Center in downtown Honolulu, Honolulu CDP is a community center for the City & County of Honolulu. Constructed in 1964 on the historic Ward Estate and originally called the Hawaii International Center, the center was renamed after Mayor of Honolulu Neal S. Blaisdell...
in downtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu is the current historic, economic, governmental, and central part of Honolulu—bounded by Nuuanu Stream to the west, Ward Avenue to the east, Vineyard Boulevard to the north, and Honolulu Harbor to the south—situated within the larger Honolulu District...
.
The Honolulu Symphony has undergone a series of transformations over the course of its first century, responding to the challenges and opportunities of the times. It has endured two World Wars, the Great Depression, financial crises, and changing musical and cultural fashions.
From 1996 to 2004, the Honolulu Symphony was under the direction of conductor Samuel Wong
Samuel Wong
Samuel Wong is a Hong Kong-born Canadian conductor and ophthalmologist .Trained at Harvard and Columbia, Dr. Wong is an eye surgeon practicing in Manhattan, Brooklyn and upstate New York....
. Previous music directors include Fritz Hart (1937–49), George Barati, Robert La Marchina, Donald Johanos
Donald Johanos
Donald George Johanos was a conductor and music director with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. He was recognized for his support of contemporary classical music. He performed or conducted on at least 16 recordings. -Early life and career:Johanos was born in Cedar...
(1979–94) and JoAnn Falletta
JoAnn Falletta
JoAnn Falletta is an American classical musician and orchestral conductor.Falletta was educated at the Mannes College of Music and The Juilliard School in New York City...
. The symphony also performs popular music under the direction of pops conductor Matt Catingub as the Honolulu Pops.
In August 2007, Andreas Delfs
Andreas Delfs
Andreas Delfs is a German conductor. He is the conductor laureate of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and principal conductor of the Honolulu Symphony.-Biography:...
, current music director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is an orchestra based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its primary performing venue is the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts...
, officially became principal conductor of the Honolulu Symphony. He will lead seven concerts per season in the orchestra's Halekulani Masterworks series.
On October 30, 2009, the Honolulu Symphony Society's board of directors voted to file for Chapter 11 protection. On November 6, the symphony announced the cancellation of concerts for the remainder of the 2009-2010 season and that it would be filing for bankruptcy, citing a big drop in donations. The organization said it was $1 million in debt and did not have enough money to support operations into November and beyond.
In May 2010, the symphony’s leaders said their goal was to decrease annual expenses to $4 million, from $8 million previously. The symphony’s 40-performance calendar would also be cut in half, with performances at smaller venues and different ticket prices, aiming to fill all seats with paying customers. The symphony was given an October 15 deadline to file its Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. In December 2010 it was announced that the symphony would be liquidated under Chapter 7 and end operations after 110 years.
In April 2011, a group of Hawaii businesspeople called the Symphony Exploratory Committee announced efforts to revive the symphony. The committee bought out the symphony's assets, and negotiated a new three year contract with the musicians, planning to open a new season in fall of 2011.