Dear Friends of the Kamuela Philharmonic,

We’re near the end of a year that began brightly, but has brought sadness and despair to many. Most of us have suffered the illness and loss of loved ones, and we mourn for those who have passed. Nevertheless, the Board and staff of the Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra Society (KPOS) continues to plan for the future because we firmly believe that live performances of fine classical music will help heal our wonderful island community.

Given the current restrictions on large indoor and outdoor public gatherings, as well as limitations on inter-island and trans-Pacific travel, we have determined that it will not be possible to present our previously scheduled MasterWorks concert at the Kahilu Theatre by the full orchestra on January 24.

Nevertheless, we have arranged for live performances of chamber music by small groups of KPOS musicians within hearing distance of nursing and retirement homes and at other venues. Here is a schedule of planned performances for the remainder of December. You’re welcome to stop by at any of the public venues if you’re in the area.

December Performances

Kona Music Gals Double String Quartet (Octet)

› Sat, Dec 19, 1 pm – Keauhou Shopping Center Courtyard

Kona Brass Quintet

› Sat, Dec 19, 5:30 pm – Elks Lodge Kailua-Kona
› Mon, Dec 21, 6 pm – Regency Hualalai Retirement Community

Volcano Chamber Players String Quartet

› Wed, Dec 23, 6 pm – Hilo Yacht Club

West Hawaii Woodwind Quintet

› Sat, Dec 19, at 2:30 pm – Life Care Center in Keauhou
› Sat, Dec 26, at 11:30 am – Keauhou Shopping Center Courtyard

All of this, of course, requires funding. The absence of ticket revenue makes our dependence on contributions from donors like you more important than ever before to continue our efforts to bring “classical” music to the people of, and visitors to, Hawai‘i County.

Give Big Hawai‘i Fundraising Campaign

We’re about three weeks into our 2020 Give Big Hawai‘i fundraising campaign, and we’ve raised $2050. We are very grateful for all the support we’ve received during this campaign. If you haven’t already donated and would like to join our cause and help us meet our goal of $5000, it’s not too late. Proceeds from this campaign will go towards helping fund this season’s Madeline Schatz-Harris Youth Concerto Competition and our Small Ensemble Performances in Public Places, as mentioned above. The campaign runs through December 31, 2020. Visit our Give Big Hawaii Kamuela Philharmonic page to donate.

We are qualified as a charitable organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, so your donations may be a deductible expense. Mahalo for your consideration, and we hope you will donate generously.

Applications for the Madeline Schatz-Harris Youth Concerto Competition are due

We would also like to remind everyone that all application materials to enter into this season’s Madeline Schatz-Harris Youth Concerto Competition are due on Saturday, December 19. If you are a music teacher and you have any students you feel would be a good fit for the concerto competition, please let them know so that they may register. Winners receive scholarship awards and an opportunity to perform live with the Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra. For more detailed information regarding the competition, please visit the Concerto Competition page on our site.

Growing the KPOS Board

We are still looking to attract community-minded Board members with experience in website and business management. If you are interested, or have any questions, please contact me at president@kamuelaphil.org.

Aloha, and stay well,

Joel E. Gimpel, President
Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra Society