Hawai'i Concert Society
2026-2027 Season
Tickets are now available for purchase
Concerts begin at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2026
U. H. HILO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
NEAVE TRIO
Praised for performances that “balance passion with sensitivity and grace” (BBC Music Magazine), the two-time Grammy Award-nominated Neave Trio is known for its fiery connection, exuberance, and a shared sense of storytelling that reflects the deep human bonds at the core of chamber music. Formed in 2010, the Neave Trio has performed at esteemed concert series and festivals both nationwide and worldwide. Their Hilo concert will iclude music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Johannes Berahms, Jennifer Higdon, and Astor Piazzola.
“Unanimity, communication, variety of touch, and expressive sensibility.” – Boston Musical Intelligencer
“Truly amazing musicianship at the highest level.”
– The Guardian
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2026
U. H. HILO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
MACKENZIE MELEMED, PIANO
American pianist Mackenzie Melemed brings audiences closer to classical music through world-class performances and spoken introductions that help audiences hear familiar music freshly and unfamiliar music with curiosity. The recipient of the 2022 Avery Fisher Career Grant, this season he is performing an all-American recital, Keys Across America, a celebration of the USA’s 250th anniversary, exploring two centuries of American piano music across more than 50 cities.
“He reveals America through a cultural vocabulary of symbols and sounds as compelling as they are arresting.”
– Front Row Reviewers
“Melemed’s technique is dazzling, his tone rich and warm, and his musical savvy was on full display.”
– Suburban Times
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2026
U. H. HILO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
IESTYN DAVIES, COUNTERTENOR & OLIVER WASS, HARP
Born in England, Iestyn Davies is internationally renowned as a Baroque music soloist and opera performer. The winner of numerous awards, including two Gramophones and a Grammy, he is celebrated for the beauty and technical dexterity of his voice and for his intelligent musicianship. London-based harpist Oliver Wass is Professor of Harp at the Royal College of Music, and is the only harpist to win the Gold Medal – the Guildhall School of Music and Drama’s most prestigious prize.
“Iestyn Davies was completely mesmerising with his voice filling the theatre wonderfully. ” – The Express
“Oliver Wass’ performance: a delight from first note to last.”
– Daily Record
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2026
CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS
HONOLULU BRASS QUINTET
Since its inception in 1976, the Honolulu Brass Quintet has performed throughout the state of Hawai‘i. HBQ is one of three resident ensembles regularly presented by Chamber Music Hawai‘i. The members of the quintet. perform with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra and Royal Hawaiian Band and teach at U. H. Mānoa, BYU, Punahou and ‘Iolani. Their Hilo concert will be a celebration of the holiday season.
“A charming collection of works and a fine performance.” – Honolulu Advertiser
THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2027
CROWN ROOM, GRAND NANILOA HOTEL
YU & I DUO
The acclaimed musical pair of Korean violinist YuEun Gemma Kim and German guitarist Ines Thomé will perform their distinctive blend of classical favorites, film scores, and German/South Korean folk music. They have captivated audiences everywhere with their magnetic stage presence and consummate musicality.
“Their individual mastery of their respective instruments and the magic that happened as they worked flawlessly together brought about more and more applause, and finally shouts of ‘Encore!’”
– Daily Gate City (Mississippi)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2027
CROWN ROOM, GRAND NANILOA HOTEL
AMERICAN STRING QUARTET WITH STEFAN SCHILLING, CLARINET
Formed over 50 years ago when its original members were students at The Juilliard School, the American String Quartet has spent decades honing the luxurious sound for which it is famous. Internationally recognized as one of the world’s finest quartets, ASQ remains one of the most adventurous and fearless string quartets performing today, as comfortable with the groundbreakIng as it is with the traditional. They will be joined by renowned soloist Schilling, Principal Clarinet of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.
"Luxurious, beautifully sculptured performances" – The New York Times
“The characterful clarinet of Schilling was worth listening to alone.” – The Artsdesk
THURSDAY MARCH 18, 2027
CROWN ROOM, GRAND NANILOA HOTEL
DANIEL MALTZ, FORTEPIANO
The fortepiano, the predecessor to the modern piano, is the instrument for which Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, and others composed their sonatas and concertos; the way they envisioned it sounding. Daniel Maltz is the leading fortepianist of his generation, performing the music as those composers intended it to sound, in 50 cities per year as a sought-after recitalist and concerto soloist. A marvelous and sincere artist, his performances and presentations to audiences project the dramatic intent, musical personality, warmth, and even the humor in the music.
“Putting Beethoven’s tenderness, longing and frustration into the very notes."
– Orlando Sentinel
“Maltz is seemingly an ambassador from another time.” – Healdsburg Trib