Program Notes for the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra by Composer in Residence and Director of Artistic Engagement, Michael-Thomas Foumai.

A new series of performances from the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, previews the Masterworks concerts with the orchestra playing excerpts from the repertoire, helping to give context and encourage curiosity in the minds of keiki and kupuna.

A new four-concert series with local talent curated by Aaron J. Salā. The Hapa Symphony expresses a unique cultural vantage point at the intersection of Hawaiian Culture and Symphonic Music. The concert series combines the talents of the HSO musicians, celebrated Hawaiian musicians, and world-renowned guest conductors, to create a unique musical journey, only found in Hawai‘i.

The Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra is joined by a star-studded lineup of Hawaiian artists including Anuhea, Kimié Miner, Mālie Lyman, and the Hawai‘i Youth Opera Chorus for a Holiday Spectacular performance from Kawaiaha‘o Church in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.

In February 2020, American Wild Ensemble collaborated with composers Takuma Itoh, Tonia Ko, Michael-Thomas Foumai, and Byron Yasui to present a program of works inspired by Hawaiian wildlife and landscapes to promote a message of conservation and respect for nature at schools, national park sites, and in concert halls.

Discover the inspiration behind the Hōkūleʻa symphony, RAISE HAWAIKI from composer Michael-Thomas Foumai, author Sam Low and master navigator Nainoa Thompson.

Listen and watch movement 6, Mālama, of the Symphony of Hawaiian Birds with art drawn by school children around the State of Hawaiʻi.

Exploring the connection of color to the written word, composer Michael-Thomas Foumai introduces how the poetry of young writers from Maine come together with music in THE TELLING ROOMS, commissioned by the Portland Symphony Orchestra.

Composer Michael-Thomas Foumai unveils the mystery behind his creative process in creating the Beethoven inspired work, BECOMING BEETHOVEN, commissioned by the Portland Symphony Orchestra.