Hawai'i Concert Society
2025-2026 Season
Join us for a season of great music!
This season features exceptional artists from around the world. It includes a few unusual and intriguing instruments and combinations that will be new to many of us, creating unforgettable experiences that will resonate long after the final note.
All concerts take place at the U.H. Hilo Performing Arts Center
Concerts begin at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:30 PM
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Our program is supported in part by Creative West, which receives support in part from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. We are also supported by our community members through their generous contributions and ongoing engagement.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 • 7PM
DUO KAROLINA & IWO
The duo of Karolina Mikołajczyk, violin, and Iwo Jedynecki, accordion, is one of the most interesting and original chamber ensembles performing today, breaking all stereotypes about their instruments and defying categorization. First prize winners at multiple international competitions, they have captured the hearts of audiences in 30 countries on four continents.Their repertoire includes thrilling arrangements of Baroque, Classical, Romantic and 20th and 21st century works.
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“Virtuosity, unbridled imagination.” – Polityka Passport
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“Every phrase and dynamic effect was perfectly delivered.”
– Polish Music Center, Los Angeles
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 • 7PM
PAUL GALBRAITH, GUITAR
Recipient of the 2024 Guitar Foundation of America’s Hall of Fame Artistic Achievement Award, Paul Galbraith is one of the finest guitarists today, as well as a brilliant innovator. With the help of the eight-string “Brahms Guitar,” an instrument he developed together with David Rubio, he has expanded both the limits of the instrument and the quality and breadth of its repertoire. His Hilo concert will include music by Dowland, J. S. Bach, Granados, and Albeniz.
"Exceptional artistry.” – The New Yorker
“Galbraith brings consummate musicianship and an unerring sense of phrasing and lyrical line.” – Classics Today
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 • 7PM
VALENCIA BARYTON PROJECT
A cross between the viol da gamba and lirone, the baryton was the pinnacle of aristocratic instruments in the 1700s. The Valencia Baryton Project was formed with the vision of performing the nearly 160 works written by Franz Joseph Haydn for it, as well as compositions by other composers, both classical and modern. With 10 resonating and plucked strings, the baryton gives the traditional string trio an entirely new dimension.
“Small music can be this big. You can’t get enough of it.”
- Die Welt
“Purity, articulation, dynamics, enthusiasm: it leaves nothing to be desired.” - Classic FM
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026 • 7PM
PARKER STRING QUARTET
Internationally recognized for its inspiring performances, luminous sound, and exceptional musicianship, the Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet has established itself as one of the preeminent ensembles of its generation since its founding in 2002. In the 2025–26 season, the Quartet is launching “The Schubert Project”—a deep exploration of Franz Schubert’s final chamber works, including his late string quartets. We will hear his “Death and the Maiden” quartet, one of the pillars of chamber music repertoire, along with Maurice Ravel’s impressionist and sensual string quartet.
“Exceptional virtuosity and imaginative interpretation.”
– Washington Post
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“Something Extraordinary.” – New York Times
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026 • 7PM
EROICA DUO
Internationally acclaimed Eroica Trio has long been one of the most sought-after chamber ensembles in the world, captivating audiences with flawless technical virtuosity, irresistible enthusiasm, and sensual elegance.
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Due to tendonitis, the violinist is unable to perform on this tour. We are pleased to share that the remaining members will appear as the Eroica Duo, bringing the same artistry, musical depth, and dynamic presence to an intimate duo performance.
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Cellist Sara Sant’Ambrogio… plays with a rare interpretive sincerity that goes straight to the heart.” - Palm Beach Daily News
Pianist Erika Nickrenz brought particular dazzle and clarity to the keyboard with delightful cascading scales.”
- Sarasota Herald-Tribune
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026 • 7PM
SOYEON KATE LEE & RAN DANK, PIANO
Spouses Ran Dank and Soyeon Kate Lee will not only perform individually, but also as a piano duo as they have twice previously in our seasons. To do the latter requires a shared musical vision and a strong commitment to realizing it, a commitment this couple has had for many years. Soyeon Kate Lee has been lauded by the New York Times as a pianist with "a huge, richly varied sound, a lively imagination and a firm sense of style," and by the Washington Post for her "stunning command of the keyboard.” Ran Dank combines his brilliant technique with intellect, intensity, and astonishing energy, captivating audiences and critics alike.
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“This extraordinary couple’s talents entranced a large audience.” - The Berkshire Edge
SUNDAY MAY 17, 2026 • 7PM
DAVID FUNG, PIANO, and
CHAMBER MUSIC HAWAI‘I’S SPRING WIND QUINTET
​Due to an injury, pianist Joyce Yang is unable to perform in our season finale. She will be replaced by Australian pianist, David Fung. Praised by the Washington Post for his “ravishing and simply gorgeous” performances, Fung is widely recognized for interpretations that are elegant and refined, intensely poetic and uncommonly expressive. We will have him both as a soloist and chamber musician with Honolulu’s Spring Wind Quintet. The program will include Louise Farrenc’s Sextet. Composed in 1852, it is the first instance of a work that combines the piano with a full wind complement of flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and horn. It is music of fresh imagination, charm, and scintillating instrumental virtuosity.
David Fung:
“Mr. Fung performed with both delicacy and power and was clearly in command of this enormously complex and demanding score.” – Boston Musical Intelligencer
Chamber Music Hawai‘i:
“A charming collection of works and a fine performance.”
– Honolulu Advertiser