HAWAII SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES TWO-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH MUSICIANS

News Release from HSO July 14, 2014

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and Musicians Association of Hawaii are pleased to announce a two-year agreement that will run through June 30, 2016, and will provide two additional weeks in each year to accommodate more diverse programming and outreach. The agreement covers 84 musicians, the majority of whom have performed with the symphony for more than 10 years, including three with more than 40 years of service.

“The musicians have been extremely helpful and flexible during our first two seasons,” said HSO director Jonathan Parrish, who was hired from the ranks of the orchestra itself in November 2013. “With the news that we are projecting to close the books this season with a balanced budget, and the soon-to-be announced third season, we hope this agreement demonstrates that the HSO is committed to building a sustainable organization and bringing the very best artists and symphonic performances to the state.”

The 2014-2015 season subscription renewals are under way and the full season will be announced soon. The season opens Sept. 13 and 14 with a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall. On Sept. 13, 1964, the symphony performed for the formal opening of the venue and has performed concerts, ballets and operas there ever since. The anniversary program will offer selections performed for the 1964 opening, along with a brand new ballet commission featuring the Oahu-based Onium Ballet Project, and the wildly popular Bolero by Ravel. Stuart Chafetz, who has performed in the venue as a member of the orchestra and conductor for 25 years, will be on the podium.

"It is gratifying to see the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra moving forward in a positive way,” said Brien Matson, president of the Musicians Association of Hawaii. “It is great to be working with the board and staff toward continuing to provide the state of Hawaii with the high-quality orchestra it deserves."

The symphony is also launching a new box office solution that will offer more purchasing and ticket delivery options to patrons. The new system, called SRO4, is based on the same platform used by Major League Baseball, adapted for the performing arts. It is set to go live by mid-July.

About the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra

The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra was founded in 2011 and made its debut in 2012. The new HSO carries on the legacy of the Honolulu Symphony, which was founded in 1900 and operated for more than a century. The orchestra employs 84 professional musicians and presents classical masterworks, pops, education, and community programs.

The mission of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra is to present the highest-quality performances of great music, bringing national and international distinction to the orchestra and its community;  to delight and educate audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and enhance the cultural vitality and quality of life in these Islands; and to operate in a financially sound manner.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.HawaiiSymphonyOrchestra.org.

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