Today, the Honolulu Symphony has begun its second century of bringing great music to the Hawaiian Islands. Founded in 1900, the Honolulu Symphony claims the distinction of being the oldest American orchestra west of the Rocky Mountains!

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. The orchestra of professional musicians that performs today on the stage of the Blaisdell Center Concert Hall may bear little resemblance to the first group of amateur musicians which met in a clubhouse on the slopes of Punchbowl nearly 107 years ago. However, one thing remains constant, the mission of the Honolulu Symphony is to enhance the quality of life of the people of Hawaii by sustaining a symphony orchestra of the highest artistic quality.

Throughout its history, the Symphony has established a legacy as one of Hawaii’s great cultural, educational and entertainment resources. The dedicated and multi-talented musicians of the orchestra add immeasurably to the quality of life in our community, not only through the pleasure they inspire with their concerts, but also outside the Concert Hall—by enriching the entire cultural life of our community.

In March, the Honolulu Symphony was pleased to announce the appointment of Andreas Delfs as the orchestra’s principal conductor commencing with the 2007-08 season. Known for fostering innovative performances and programs through his highly acclaimed musical direction, Andreas Delfs will take up residence with the Symphony for half of its Halekulani Masterworks Series.

The words “premiere” and “first-ever” pepper the musical resume of Andreas Delfs. Currently in his tenth season as musical director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO), Mr. Delfs has been a pioneering force in its half-century history. He led the MSO as it became the first American orchestra to enter the universe of the Internet via live recordings available through iTunes and other outlets; initiated the innovative MSO’s Classical Connections concert series, inviting audience participation in a less formal concert format; and took the MSO to Cuba—the first and only U.S. orchestra to visit the island. Mr. Delfs’ energy on and off the podium has made him a model for the next generation of music directors. He concludes his tenure with the MSO in 2009 and becomes conductor laureate thereafter.

In regard to the Honolulu Symphony Mr. Delfs said, “The combination of artistic excellence, enthusiasm and ambition that defines the Honolulu Symphony is a rare commodity these days. And the immediate and tangible chemistry between an orchestra and a conductor does not come along often. It is a privilege and great joy to join this superb American orchestra and help unleash its unlimited potential. I also look forward to contributing to the unique culture of the Hawaiian Islands and join the community in the celebration of the arts.”

“Andreas Delfs is a groundbreaker in the symphonic world—he balances standard repertoire with innovative programming and we expect his leadership will grow our concert-going base. His experience making music around the globe fits well into the cosmopolitan nature of Honolulu’s music community,” said Jeffrey Minter, chairman of the Symphony board.