Honolulu – The Honolulu Symphony today announced its magnificent concert line-up for the Halekulani MasterWorks 2008-2009 season, led by principal conductor Andreas Delfs and featuring an array of enchanting concerts starring gifted artists from Hawaii and around the world. The 2008-2009 season is brimming with concert weekends that shine the spotlight on the talented and dedicated musicians of the orchestra as they are joined by such international superstars as guitarist Sharon Isbin, cellist Alisa Weilerstein, violinists Cho-Liang (Jimmy) Lin and Giora Schmidt, and soprano Sumi Jo. Subscription packages start from as low as $104 and are currently on sale from the Symphony Box Office at (808) 792-2000. The Symphony offers enrichment and pure delight for music lovers of all ages: please join us to experience the joys of music! Loyal Symphony patrons will rejoice in the reopening of the balcony to subscription sales, back by popular demand.

The 2008-2009 season opens on September 6 and 7, 2008 as the Symphony returns to its home at the Blaisdell Concert Hall with an unabashedly romantic all-Brahms program. This blockbuster season opener features world-renowned pianist André Watts and Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2, as well as Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 and the Academic Festival Overture with the Honolulu Symphony Chorus.

“Join me and my good friend André Watts as we prove to you that Brahms is anything but a stuffy German composer with a long white beard,” said Maestro Delfs. “The exuberant joy of this Overture, the arduous passion of this Symphony, and the muscular vigor of this Concerto will make our case.”

All those who relish the brilliance of Wagner will truly enjoy spellbinding performances of his rarely-performed “Ring Without Words,” as the season continues on September 13 and 14, 2008. This magnificent program also hails the much-anticipated return of violinist Cho-Liang Lin in performance of Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto.

“What spells the brilliant power of music better than Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries?” asked Maestro Delfs. “Brace yourself for a tour-de-force of the greatest excerpts from Wagner’s operas, with all the boring bits left out.”

The pleasure continues on November 8 and 9, 2008, as the Symphony delights with an all-Strauss experience showcasing works such as Tales from the Vienna Woods and Emperor Waltzes by the “Waltz King,” Johann Strauss II, as well as works by the great German composer, Richard Strauss.

“Ah – the waltz king,” said Maestro Delfs. “But wait! There is more than one Strauss. Richard’s Till Eulenspiegel is the ultimate orchestral showpiece, while his Oboe Concerto is an exquisite, late masterpiece. And then let’s dance with Johann!”

One of the season’s many highlights promises to be the December 13 and 14, 2008, performances of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf narrated by LOST’s Jorge Garcia. This must-experience program also features Stravinsky’s dazzling Firebird and the world premiere of Michael Giacchino’s Suite and Savory from the film Ratatouille.

“A rat, a wolf and a bird?” asked Maestro Delfs. “This program will leave a big smile on your face. The sonic splendor of the Firebird is hard to top, and ‘Hurley’ narrating Peter and the Wolf will be a delight – if he doesn’t get ‘lost’.”

The season concludes on May 9 and 10, 2009 with a mesmerizing program featuring the Hawaii debut of violinist Giora Schmidt. Experience Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and exhilarating Violin Concerto in this inspirational program that includes selections from Prokofiev’s spellbinding ballet score for Romeo and Juliet.

“Yes, you know the 1812 Overture,” said Maestro Delfs. “But have you ever heard it live, and indoors? It is such a great piece that it deserves our royal treatment. And, if there is one piece that will always lift you out of your seats, it is Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto.”

The Honolulu Symphony Beethoven Festival, which makes its debut in March and April 2009, is a showcase of four unique, one-time-only concert programs that will capture the interest and enthusiasm of Beethoven fans across the globe. Season subscribers receive guaranteed tickets to two of the four Festival concerts. Festival information will be announced during the current Symphony season finale concerts.

Symphony subscribers receive excellent discounts and valuable benefits, including invitations to exclusive behind-the-scenes events, ticket exchange privileges and free ticket replacement. Subscriptions offer the best seats in the house, plus savings of up to 21% off single ticket prices. Music lovers are encouraged to subscribe early and guarantee their seats for what promises to be one of the most wonderful Symphony seasons in history!

HALEKULANI MASTERWORKS 2008-2009 SEASON:

WATTS PLAYS BRAHMS
Saturday, September 6, 2008 at 8 pm and
Sunday, September 7, 2008 at 4 pm

Andreas Delfs, conductor
André Watts, piano
Honolulu Symphony Chorus

Program: BRAHMS, Academic Festival Overture; BRAHMS, Symphony No. 3 in F; BRAHMS, Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat

Expect an unforgettable performance as international superstar André Watts joins the Honolulu Symphony as we escape into the passionate world of Brahms. From the sweeping spirit of the Third Symphony to the stirring Second Piano Concerto, this all-Brahms program is an experience you will truly cherish.

WAGNER’S “RING” WITHOUT WORDS
Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 8 pm and
Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 4 pm

Andreas Delfs, conductor
Cho-Liang Lin, violin

Program: MUSSORGSKY, Prelude to Khovantchina “Dawn on the Moscow River;” PROKOFIEV, Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor; WAGNER/MAAZEL, “Ring Without Words”

Precocious Prokofiev takes center stage as celebrated violinist Cho-Liang Lin performs the audacious and wildly colorful Second Violin Concerto. Prokofiev’s graceful melodies beguile the ear and transcend into realms of glorious music. Take pleasure in the thrills and triumphs of Wagner’s Ring Cycle as we weave together orchestral highlights from his monumental series of four operas: The Rhinegold, The Valkyrie, Siegfried, and Twilight of the Gods.

AMERICAN IN PARIS
Friday, October 10, 2008 at 8 pm and
Saturday, October 11, 2008 at 8 pm
Please note special Friday schedule and Saturday evening time.

David Alan Miller, conductor
Alisa Weilerstein, cello

Program: COPLAND, Appalachian Spring; BARBER, Cello Concerto; ADAMS, Slonimsky’s Earbox; GERSHWIN, An American in Paris

A natural virtuoso hailed for her impassioned musicianship and expressive range, cellist Alisa Weilerstein performs Barber’s captivating Cello Concerto. Notorious for its tremendous technical demands, the Concerto is a showcase for Weilerstein’s awe-inspiring brilliance. Then, Gershwin’s An American in Paris takes us on an adventure to the delights and flirtatious charm of the City of Lights.

WORLD’S GREATEST PIANO CONCERTOS
Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 8 pm and
Sunday, October 19, 2008 at 4 p.m.

Mei-Ann Chen, conductor
Joyce Yang, piano
Jie-Chen, piano
Peng-Peng, piano

Program: LISZT, Concerto No. 1 in E-flat; GRIEG, Concerto in A minor; RACHMANINOFF, Concerto No. 2 in C minor

Three rising stars of the piano join the Honolulu Symphony as we continue our love affair with piano masterworks. This auditory feast shines the spotlight on the technical wizardry of pianist and orchestra alike. Enrich the musical fabric of your life with the exquisite artistry of Joyce Yang, Jie-Chen and Peng Peng.

ALL-STRAUSS EXPERIENCE
Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 8 p.m. and
Sunday, November 9, 2008 at 4 p.m.

Andreas Delfs, conductor
J. Scott Janusch, oboe

Program: J.STRAUSS, JR., Overture to The Gypsy Baron; VARIOUS, Tales from the Vienna Woods, Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, Egyptian March, Unter Donner und Blitz, Emperor Waltzes; R. STRAUSS, Till Eulenspiegel; R. STRAUSS, Oboe Concerto in D

Delve into the magical world of the “Waltz King,” Johann Strauss II. Journey to the Vienna woods and delight in the waltzes and polkas that continue to charm the world today. Richard Strauss’ virtuosic Oboe Concerto is a beautiful discovery, laden with joyous expression and romantic inspiration, featuring gifted oboist J. Scott Janusch.

SIBELIUS SYMPHONY NO. 2
Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 8 pm and
Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 4 pm

JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Sharon Isbin, guitar

Program: KODALY, Dances of Marosszék; RODRIGO, Fantasia para un gentilhombre; SIBELIUS, Symphony No. 2 in D

Hailed as “the pre-eminent guitarist of our time,” Grammy-Award-winner Sharon Isbin performs Rodrigo’s dancing Fantasia para un gentilhombre in an elaborate tour-de-force of sparkling genius. Among Sibelius’ most cherished works, the Second Symphony evokes images of serene landscapes and transports the imagination to a realm of divine melody.

PETER AND THE WOLF
Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 8 pm and
Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 4 pm

Andreas Delfs, conductor
Jorge Garcia, narrator

Program: GIACCHINO, Ratatouille: Suite and Savory; PROKOFIEV, Peter and the Wolf; STRAVINSKY, Firebird

Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf was created as an introduction to the orchestra and has undeniably captured the hearts of millions with its musical portrayal of a child’s fairytale. Stravinsky’s fairytale ballet score, Firebird, secured his undoubted position among the world’s most innovative composers. The sensual Firebird Suite sparkles with bold orchestration and lyrical Russian folk songs. Then, enjoy Michael Giacchino’s fun-filled and flavorful music for the film Ratatouille in a world premiere overture created especially for this program.

OPERA LEGEND SUMI JO SINGS CARMINA BURANA
Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 8 pm and
Sunday, April 12, 2009 at 4 pm

Jean-Marie Zeitouni, conductor
Sumi Jo, soprano
Brian Stucki, tenor
David Adam Moore, baritone
Honolulu Symphony Chorus

Program: VARIOUS, Great Opera Arias with Sumi Jo; ORFF, Carmina Burana

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the exquisite artistry of opera legend Sumi Jo in performance of opera’s most beloved arias. Celebrated for her virtuosic sweetness and spectacular range, Sumi Jo is among opera’s brightest stars. The Symphony Chorus takes center stage in Carl Orff’s passionate Carmina Burana. With its spirit of fire and adventure, Carmina Burana is the perfect blend of theatrical bliss and luscious spectacle.

RACHMANINOFF’S PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1
Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 8 pm and
Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 4 pm

Vasily Petrenko, conductor
William Wolfram, piano

Program: RIMSKY-KORSAKOV, Suite from Tale of the Tsar Saltan; RACHMANINOFF, Concerto No. 1 in F-sharp minor; SHOSTAKOVICH, Symphony No. 1 in F minor

The romance and vitality of Rachmaninoff recall dreamy visions of musical paradise. Revel in the keyboard wizardry of acclaimed pianist William Wolfram and the soul-stirring beauties of the First Piano Concerto. Then, Shostakovich’s First Symphony surprises with its vivid swells of emotion and youthful spirit.

TCHAIKOVSKY’S 1812 OVERTURE: SEASON FINALE
Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 8 pm and
Sunday, May 10, 2009 at 4 pm

Andreas Delfs, conductor
Giora Schmidt, violin

Program: GLINKA, Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla; TCHAIKOVSKY, Violin Concerto; PROKOFIEV, Romeo and Juliet – Selections from Suites 1 and 2; TCHAIKOVSKY, 1812 Overture

Fall in love all over again with the wondrous world of Tchaikovsky. Sweeping melodies and beloved themes will uplift your spirit as we luxuriate in the expressive wonders of the Violin Concerto. The 1812 Overture reaffirms Tchaikovsky’s unique place as an everlasting audience favorite. Prokofiev’s mesmerizing Romeo and Juliet blends sumptuous melodies and moving passages to create a masterpiece of orchestral radiance.

The Halekulani MasterWorks series is made possible thanks to the generosity of our season sponsor, the Halekulani Corporation. The Honolulu Symphony also gratefully acknowledges the valued support of Honolulu Advertiser and Servco Lexus.

These concerts are supported in part by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts through appropriations from the Legislature of the State of Hawaii and by the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Honolulu Symphony also gratefully acknowledges the support of the City and County of Honolulu Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts.