Hawai'i Concert Society
2025-2026 Season
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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WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
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
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
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
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 two of them.
“Exceptional virtuosity and imaginative interpretation.”
– Washington Post
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“Something Extraordinary.” – New York Times
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026
EROICA TRIO
One of the most sought after trios in the world, the Grammy- nominated Eroica Trio enraptures audiences with flawless technical virtuosity, irresistible enthusiasm and sensual elegance. The three women who make up this celebrated ensemble electrify the concert stage.
“The performance had it all --vigor, restraint, monumental effects, whispered nuances, sinister darkness and comedy.” - LA Times
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“The Eroica's playing was gorgeous.” - Boston Musical Intelligencer
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026
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
JOYCE YANG, PIANO, and
CHAMBER MUSIC HAWAI‘I’S SPRING WIND QUINTET
​2005 Cliburn Competition silver medalist Joyce Yang is more than a vivacious pianist who can dazzle with sheer technique. What makes her special is what she does with the music. Hilo audiences have been enthralled by her solo performances in several of our previous seasons. This time we have her 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.
Joyce Yang:
“A million volt presence onstage.” – Dallas Morning News
Chamber Music Hawai‘i:
“A charming collection of works and a fine performance.” – Honolulu Advertiser