Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Wed) October 22, 2008

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kristin Jackson  |  (808) 428-1625  |  kristinjackson@hawaii.rr.com

Life of Volunteer and Philanthropist Nancy Bannick Honored in Tribute Concert

Local performing arts, historical societies and civic groups celebrate legacy of Oahu humanitarian

PRESENTED BY

Chamber Music Hawai‘i
Friends of the Natatorium
Hawai‘i Opera Theatre
Hawai‘i Public Radio
Hawai‘i Youth Opera Chorus
Honolulu Symphony Orchestra 
Historic Hawai‘i Foundation
Kapiolani Park Preservation Society
Save Diamond Head Association
        

PROGRAM

NANCY BANNICK TRIBUTE CONCERT
Hawai‘i Youth Opera Chorus
Select songs with hula
Honolulu Symphony Orchestra
Oboe Concerto in D Major by Richard Strauss 
J. Scott Janusch, oboe
Evening concludes with Beebe Freitas, piano
 

CONCERTS

Friday, November 7 
Open House at 7 p.m. and Concert at 8 p.m.
Blaisdell Concert Hall
   

TICKETS

Free Tickets/General Admission 
Call Hawai‘i Opera Theatre Box Office at 596-7858 for tickets.

Honolulu – In celebration of the legacy of the late Nancy Bannick – the incomparable arts supporter, volunteer and philanthropist who made a long-lasting contribution to local culture – the non-profit organizations to which she gave so much time and enthusiasm today announced a community concert of celebration and remembrance in her memory. The “Nancy Bannick Tribute Concert” features performances by the Hawai‘i Youth Opera Chorus and the Honolulu Symphony, and takes place on Friday, November 7 at 8 p.m. at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Honolulu Symphony clarinetist James Moffitt – also a member of Chamber Music Hawai‘i – will serve as host. Tickets are free and can be requested from the Hawai‘i Theatre Box Office at 596-7858. Community members are warmly invited and encourage to attend.
 
The performance by the Hawai‘i Youth Opera Chorus will feature “E Aloha e” by S. Mailelauli’i Naki (A Mele Ho’okipa, Song of Welcome), and “E Nana kakou I na manu” by Herb Mahelona, with hula. A special video presentation will also accompany the Symphony’s performance of Richard Strauss’ Oboe Concert in D Major, featuring J. Scott Janusch. The evening will conclude with a piano performance by Beebe Freitas, associate artistic director of Hawai‘i Opera Theatre. 
 
Bannick, who for more than 50 years served as an inspirational role model to volunteers until her passing earlier this year, was known for her steadfast fight to preserve old Chinatown, the Waikīkī War Memorial Natatorium and Kapi‘olani Park. Bannick was also a life-long champion of the arts in Hawai‘i, and was a dedicated member of the board of directors of the Honolulu Symphony, Chamber Music Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i Public Radio. 
 
“Nancy Bannick’s dedication to the enrichment of everyday life through the arts has left a lasting impact on Hawai‘i’s cultural institutions and the generations of volunteers who are following in her footsteps,” said Peter Shaindlin, Acting Chairman of the Board of Directors, Honolulu Symphony. “From her instrumental role in preserving Chinatown to her thousands of hours served as an active volunteer, Nancy was always ready to share ideas and work diligently towards building a stronger community. Nancy’s legacy is one that will truly stand the test of time.”
 
A former editor for Sunset Magazine’s Hawaii Bureau, Bannick was named the Outstanding Philanthropist of 2004 by the Association of Fund-Raising Professionals Hawai‘i. Among her many roles, Bannick was a charter member of the Historic Hawai‘i  Foundation, and also dedicated volunteering resources to the Hawai‘i Vocal Arts Ensemble, the Honolulu Academy of Arts and The Contemporary Museum. 
 
A beloved figure in the Oahu arts community, Bannick is fondly remembered for her belief in the value of the arts to the people of Hawai‘i. Known for her signature 1969 yellow Volkswagen “bug” convertible, Bannick could be found applauding enthusiastically every weekend at concerts and fundraisers, and was a season subscriber to the Honolulu Symphony and Chamber Music Hawai‘i for several decades.
 
"Nancy's passionate commitment to preserving what is fine and beautiful in our lives was an inspirational example to anyone who ever felt moved to make a positive difference in their community.  And her generosity was only a part of it...she had high expectations of every organization with which she was involved, and made herself a tenacious and tireless presence until those expectations were met. She was, in other words, gloriously effective,” adds Michael Titterton, President and General Manager of Hawai‘i Public Radio.
 
The Nancy Bannick Tribute Concert is a joint presentation by the following non-profit organizations: Chamber Music Hawai‘i; Friends of the Natatorium; Hawai‘i Opera Theatre; Hawai‘i Public Radio; Hawai‘i Youth Opera Chorus; Honolulu Symphony Orchestra; Historic Hawai‘i Foundation; Kapiolani Park Preservation Society and  Save
Diamond Head Association.

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