Dear Friends of the Kamuela Philharmonic,
As I write this, one week after the January 6 invasion of our nation’s capital by an insurgent mob, and one week before the inauguration of President-elect Biden, the House of Representatives has voted to impeach President Trump for a historic second time for inciting an insurrection. Meanwhile, the COVID19 pandemic continues to rage, even as vaccine administration has begun. What a way to start a year!
Hopefully, we will soon see a reduction in rates of infection, hospitalizations, and fatalities so as to enable a relaxation of gathering and travel restrictions that will permit us to resume live, symphonic performances of classical music. In the meantime, because of the current restrictions and limitations, it’s been necessary to cancel plans for a live symphonic concert at the Kahilu Theatre on January 24.
Nevertheless, while the Board and staff of the Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra Society (KPOS) plans for the future, we are continuing to arrange for live performances of chamber music by small groups of KPOS musicians within hearing distance of nursing and retirement homes and other venues. Here is our current schedule of planned performances for the remainder of January and early February. You’re welcome to stop by at any of the public venues if you’re in the area.
Upcoming KPOS Small Ensemble Performances
Magic Strings Quartet (PRIVATE PERFORMANCE)
Saturday, January 23, at 2:30 PM
Life Care Center of Kona
Kona Brass Quintet (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)
Monday, January 25, at 5:00 PM
Keauhou Shopping Center Courtyard
Kona Woodwind Quintet (PRIVATE PERFORMANCE)
Saturday, January 30, at 3:00 PM
Regency Hualalai Retirement Home
Magic Strings Quartet (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)
Saturday, February 6, at Noon
Keauhou Shopping Center Courtyard
Announcing the winners of the Madeline Schatz-Harris Youth Concerto Competition
I’m honored to announce that in December, we conducted “virtual” videotaped auditions for our annual Madeline Schatz Harris Youth Concerto Competition, and selected two magnificent young pianists from Oahu to perform with the Kamuela Philharmonic. They are Crystal Ferreira, age 10, a student of Dr. Thomas Yee, performing the 1st Movement of the Mendelssohn piano concerto, and Aimee Okagawa, age 15, a student of Wendy Yamashita, performing the 1st Movement of the Grieg piano concerto.
As always, the judges were extremely impressed with the level of preparedness and performance by all of the students. Because 2020 was so very restrictive, their accomplishments stand out even more.
As of this moment, we are still planning our April 18 MasterWorks concert, at which the winners would perform. But as we know, local, state, and federal restrictions could require us to be flexible on the date of our performance together. Rest assured, however—we will get a performance accomplished!
All of this, of course, requires funding, and the absence of ticket revenue makes our dependence on contributions from donors like you more important than ever before in order to continue our efforts to bring classical symphonic music to the people of, and visitors to, Hawai‘i County.
Your donations to KPOS are always welcome, and can be made on our donation page, or by sending a check made payable to Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra Society to PO Box 2597, Kamuela, HI, 96743. 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.
Binti Bailey joins the KPOS Board of Directors
Finally, I’m pleased to announce that Binti Bailey, a renowned vocalist, and actress surely known to many of you, has been elected to the KPOS Board of Directors and has agreed to serve as Secretary. We are still looking to attract additional 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
