Honolulu – The Honolulu Symphony today announced that concert tickets for the inspiring 2008-2009 season, featuring Principal Conductor Andreas Delfs and Pops Conductor Matt Catingub, will go on sale to the general public on Monday, August 4, 2008. The Symphony Box Office opens at 9 a.m. to offer the general public the very first opportunity to buy individual tickets to Halekulani MasterWorks and select Toyota Pops series concerts. Tickets for the inaugural Honolulu Symphony Beethoven Festival, as well as Diana Krall with the Toyota Pops, will not go on sale to the general public at this time: these concerts are only for sale to Symphony season subscribers.

Halekulani MasterWorks single tickets are priced from $19 to $70 – marking a small decrease in several sections from the 2007-2008 season prices. Toyota Pops single tickets are priced from $20 to $82. Monday, August 4 marks the earliest opportunity for non- subscribers to secure seats for concerts such as the Halekulani MasterWorks series opening night with renowned pianist Andrá Watts and Maestro Andreas Delfs, as well as the Toyota Pops series opening with pop legend Peter Cetera and Maestro Matt Catingub. These concerts have been on sale exclusively to Symphony subscribers since February 2008.

The Symphony encourages music lovers to become season subscribers to take advantage of the greatest savings and benefits, and to secure premium seating choices. Halekulani MasterWorks season subscriptions start from as low as $104 for a package of six concerts, including a concert in the Beethoven Festival. Toyota Pops season subscriptions start from as low as $126 for a package of all seven concerts, including Diana Krall. For more information, please contact the Symphony Box Office at (808) 792-2000 or boxofficemngr@honolulusymphony.com.

“Season subscription sales have now reached the same levels as the 2001-2002 season – this upswing reflects the community’s belief in the many benefits our local symphony orchestra offers Hawaii, as well as their enthusiasm and respect for the symphonic music- making experience,” said Tom Gulick, executive director, Honolulu Symphony. “We are thrilled to welcome new subscribers to the Symphony ohana as we anticipate unrivalled excellence in the concert hall and wherever the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra travels throughout the 2008-2009 season.”

Please visit www.honolulusymphony.com for more information on the exciting array of musical experiences the Honolulu Symphony will offer the community in 2008-2009.

TICKET SALES:
Single tickets can be purchased by calling the Symphony Box Office at (808) 792-2000, Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are also sold at Ticketmaster outlets and by calling 1-877-750-4400, as well as at Times supermarkets and www.ticketmaster.com.

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
Andrá Watts, piano
Honolulu Symphony Chorus

Expect an unforgettable performance as international superstar Andrá 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

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

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

Three rising stars of the piano join the Honolulu Symphony as we continue our love affair with the piano masterworks of Liszt, Grieg and Rachmaninoff. 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

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. Then, Richard Strauss’ virtuosic Oboe Concerto will be a beautiful discovery, laden with joyous expression and romantic inspiration, and 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

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

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. Narrated by LOST’s Jorge Garcia, Peter is the perfect holiday outing for friends, families and fans. 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

Brian Stucki, tenor; David Adam Moore, baritone; Honolulu Symphony Chorus Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the exquisite artistry of Korean 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.

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

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

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.

TOYOTA POPS 2008-2009 SEASON:

All concerts take place at the Neil S. Blaisdell Concert Hall.

PETER CETERA
Friday, September 19, 2008 at 8 pm and
Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 8 pm

Singer, songwriter, and bassist Peter Cetera entertains with chart-topping ballads such as “You’re The Inspiration” and “If You Leave Me Now” in his thrilling debut with the Pops. As the lead singer and bassist for the legendary rock group Chicago, Cetera wrote and sang some of the biggest hits of the rock and pop music era – and his ensuing solo career continued the chart-topping successes of his days with Chicago. Experience this exciting Pops debut and such classic hits as “After All,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” “Next Time I Fall,” and “Glory of Love” for the movie Karate Kid, Part II.

WILLIE K
Friday, October 3, 2008 at 8 pm and
Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 8 pm

Maui’s Willie Kahaiali‘i (a.k.a Willie K) is credited with changing the direction of contemporary Hawaiian music in the nineties with his fusion of jazz, blues and R&B influences. Since then, he has performed around the world with music’s biggest stars. Now it’s time to return “home” for his debut with the Pops. Experience the heart and soul of Willie K’s unique sound and style in this highly-anticipated concert event!

THE MUSIC OF RAY CHARLES FEATURING ELLIS HALL
Friday, October 24, 2008 at 8 pm and
Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 8 pm

From country to blues, jazz, R&B and funk, the legendary Ray Charles set the standard for greatness during a remarkable career that spanned more than five decades. Join the Pops for this celebration of the music of the pioneering singer-pianist-composer who gave us years of musical pleasure with hits ranging from “Georgia on My Mind” and “Hit the Road Jack” to “I Got a Woman,” “The Night Time (Is the Right Time),” “What’d I Say” and “Unchain My Heart.” Join the Pops for the premiere of this new concert program featuring multi-instrumentalist virtuoso Ellis Hall.

BÉLA FLECK AND THE FLECKTONES
Friday, November 28, 2008 at 8 pm and
Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 8 pm

Critically-acclaimed Béla Fleck and the Flecktones bring their irresistible “blu-bop” mix of jazz and bluegrass to the Pops. Hailed as a banjo virtuoso, Fleck is a powerfully creative force in bluegrass, jazz, pop, rock and world beat – and will be premiering his brand new Holiday album with the Toyota Pops. With the names Béla (for Bartok), Anton (for Dvorak) and Láos (for Janacek), Fleck seems to have been destined to receive the Grammy Award for “Best Classical Crossover Album” – a feat he recently accomplishes. His total Grammy count is an incredible eight Grammys. Don’t miss Béla Fleck and the Flecktones’ riveting musical blends in their Pops debut!

DAVE KOZ
Friday, January 16, 2009 at 8 pm and
Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 8 pm

In a career spanning nearly two decades, Dave Koz has established himself as a platinum-selling artist and instrumental music advocate. The celebrated jazz saxophonist returns to Honolulu for two romantic and elegant concerts featuring chart-topping songs, such Koz’s moving rendition of “Over the Rainbow,” which received a Grammy nomination for “Best Pop Instrumental Performance.” Join the Pops for this celebration of the magic of music!

DIANA KRALL
Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 8 pm and
Friday, March 20, 2009 at 8 pm
Please note special Thursday, Friday schedule.

The incomparable Diana Krall returns to the Pops stage with her cool, heavy-lidded vocals and strikingly sensitive piano playing that have secured her an undoubted place at the top of the jazz charts. Diana will light up the night with music from her latest release, “This Moment On,” plus timeless, vintage standards by such composers as George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hart, Van Heusen and Cahn, and Bacharach and David.

PONCHO SANCHEZ
Friday, April 24, 2009 at 8 pm and
Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 8 pm

More than anything else, Poncho Sanchez is a storyteller. And, as leader of the most popular Latin jazz group in the world today, it’s his congas that do the talking. Join the Pops for this spectacular season finale as renowned percussionist Poncho Sanchez spins vivacious tales that pay homage to the glories of a half-century tradition that was born when Afro-Cuban rhythms merged with bebop.

The Honolulu Symphony Toyota Pops series is made possible thanks to the generosity of our season sponsor, Toyota Dealers of Hawaii.

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 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.