Inspired by Hawaiian traditions - looking forward, bringing us together
New Frontiers in Hawaiian Music Overture (excerpt)
Philip Simmons composer
Ruben Carillo, video editor
Fifteen years ago, American Music Festivals began an exploration of Hawaiian culture - its aloha spirit, diversity, and rich orchestral history. This tradition was inspired by royalty, preserving long standing cultural values while embracing new European classical models.
Concerts by the Orchestra of the Hawaiian Islands on the Big Island and Honolulu set the stage. Celebrating Hawaiian composers, the natural beauty and quality of life in the Islands, and American Music Festivals’ mission of cultural exchange.
“New Frontiers in Hawaiian Music” is an initiative to help preserve (mālama) Hawaiian traditional culture through original orchestral works. It will include performances featuring local artists - appearing live and in online offerings directed at an international audience.
Programs that combine music inspired by Hawaii alongside a variety of cultures, promoting new music and creating adaptations of existing works for symphonic orchestra. Highlighting community causes throughout Hawaii, the USA, and around the world. “New Frontiers in Hawaiian Music” is realized through the events, products, and messaging of American Music Festivals. It is a platform where philanthropy and marketing merge, helping sustain cultural values, orchestral traditions, our environment, and well-being.
Philip Simmons is completing a series of orchestral pieces that demonstrate a sensitivity to local native culture, the diversity of the Islands, and the need for us to come together as a community. In Hawaii this will be realized through live full orchestra concerts, internet offerings, and memorable artistic products.
Working with colleague James Avis, a marketing professional with decades of experience in Hawaii, they are committed to partnering with community stakeholders to bring “New Frontiers in Hawaiian Music” to residents of all ages and backgrounds.
MUSIC OF THE ISLANDS
Koa Suite evokes preservation of the land and its cultural heritage. A 12-minute work in five short movements, it will be presented with video accompaniment of stunning landscapes, touching scenes of nature, native celebration, and tender romance.
Hualalai Rhapsody is an 11-minute tone poem in two parts, beginning with “An Ancient Legend,” the myth of Kahānaiākeakua. It tells a story of a warrior hero, determined to climb to the summit of the great mountain who is beset by difficulties. He fights the elements, is threatened by the “Night Marchers,” and has a mysterious vision that frightens him, until he realizes it is that of a beautiful woman. They kiss, and he finds the strength to finish his mission. The second part, “Hualalai Today,” also flashes back to depict Hualalai at the time of King Kamehameha. The beauty of nature, sounds and moods of the sea and sky, and the mystery of his life there. We speed ahead to today, where our ancient warrior has been reincarnated and is now a modern-day resident of Hualalai, enjoying the fruits of life in paradise!
Threnody for Lahaina is a serious and respectful composition intended to memorialize what occurred in the 2023 Maui wildfires. Using carefully prepared dissonance, silence, sustained sounds amidst a pointillistic texture, and improvisation, the work is intended to break new ground and create intensely solemn meaning and effects. It culminates in a lamenting prayer for those who perished, and those who will contribute to its rebirth.
Waimea Canyon, for string orchestra, is music depicting the splendor of Kauai through the ancient love story of Hiku and Kawelu. It is steeped in tradition and while expressing the depths of human emotion. This work was recently premiered by the Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra.
Two more compositions will complete the set:
New Frontiers Overture
Waikiki and Me
