Hawaii Symphony Orchestra

What a great night of pop and symphony! It was a wonderful show!

The vocalists and musicians were excellent! The music of symphony in the background really adds to the music.

I'm not a Berlioz fan so I will admit that I was there simply for Conrad Tao (Grieg). His style captivated the audience. People upfront were amazed with his rapid fingers! I just admired his persona with such a piece; not all artists can relate to music from the Romantic era like Tao did. I hope he will come back for more concerts, as both a pianist and violinist. He is just a down-to-earth kind of guy with such great, raw talent - who is still developing his style as a musician/artist every day. Bravo to Tao! And bravo to this season's guest performers and conductors and the members of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra for a great season!

Kenny Loggins was the best! Singing a lot of old and some new, he involved the audience and let us sing along. People were singing, clapping and intensely involved in his music. He is a dynamic performer, with varying styles and never the same twice. His guitarist from Louisiana was so good, it was hard to tell who was imitating whom,. They did a duet of sounds that defied identification. "Celebrate Me Home"," House at Pooh Corner," "Footloose", and many others. He is a wonderful entertainer and there was not a dull moment in his concert. Definitely worth the money!

First Pops I attended. Appearance by Lehua was an unexpected bonus! Her voice is so so beautiful. Kenny Loggins was awesome also, but I couldn't hear the beautiful instruments of our orchestra. I loved the "concert" but was somehow expecting a symphonic experience.

Concert was one of the best I've seen. The symphony accompanying Kenny Loggins was superb. Matt Catingub put together a brilliant show.

For me it was a totally positive learning experience. I knew that Lehua Kalima could sing, we heard her a million times with Na Leo, but tonight we discovered how beautiful her voice is standing alone. Her rifts and crescendos showed her power and grace, let alone the personal feelings she exuded through her songs and into her audience, Wow! The headliner Kenny Loggins took down the house. Before this concert I expected just a night of just regular pop songs. It sort of started like that with the music being a little on the soft and tame side. But believe me it grew into a monster of a night. The last few numbers people around us could not contain themselves they were in the aisle girating uncontrollably. Besides the 40 piece symphony, Kenny Loggins band which consisted of a Bass, Lead guitar, Keyboard and drummer were excellent, excellent musicians. My own personal opinion is that the drummer was the heart beat which allowed all those around him to touch and feel their souls. Really great concert!!!!! It could not have happened without Maestro Matt Catingub. Mucho Mahalo's....

Enjoyed the show very much, the Hawaii symphony are great especially with Kenny Logins, he is amazing. I can compare him to a wine where the older the wine is the better. I had a great time and I will watch it again.

The Hawaii Symphony is always great. Pair them with an outstanding performer like Kenny Loggins and the result is an outstanding concert. Peceded by an island favorite like Lehua Kalima and you have an event to remember for a lifetime.

Kenny Loggins is the MAN!!!! Still can hit those high notes. All of the songs he sang and played were more than expected.

It was so very nice to hear three different local favorites accompanied by the full sound of the Pops Symphony Orchestra. I liked the intimacy of the event, but the rich sound of the orchestra also.

AWESOME! AMAZING! PHENOMINAL! ABSOLUTELY THE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN! THE CONDUCTOR IS THE MOST TALENTED MAN I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED!

It was great!! I am glad to see the symphony together again!! It was so good, we are thinking to attend the Kenny Loggins concert.

Just so happy to have you back in hawaii Matt, your talents are still amazing and your joy shines thorough, The local special guests were a extra plus.

Awesome to have the Pops back in Hawaii. Henry Kapono has always been one of our favorites, and to have Matt Catingub back was fantastic. Hope they can pull off the revival season.

A presentation such as this does not come to Hawaii often. Brody Dolyniuk is a 5 star entertainer. Talented singer as well as an amped up character. The Honolulu Symphony did a great job supporting the musical background to the :Music of Queen". Added credit goes to the travelling musicians that play with Brody as well. YOU DIDN'T GO? Make sure you make the next one ... Brody said he is coming back.

This was more of a cover band concert. The Symphony could not be heard at all most of the time. The lead singer was very talented but chatted too much about himself with the crowd. Enjoyed all the positive energy with the audience. Everyone sang along and danced which was very fun. Would not recommend this event to a fan of the symphony.

EXCELLENT SHOW & BEYOND MY EXPECTATIONS. BRODY DOLYNIUK WAS AMAZING WITH THE VOCALS OF FREDDIE MERCURY. MY ONLY NEGATIVE CRITIQUE IS THEY COULD HAVE TURNED-UP THE VOLUMNE A BIT MORE.

Music of Queen & Honolulu Symphony Orchestra was OUTSTANDING! Would highly recommend anyone who loves the music of Queen to attend. Wish they would come back to Hawaii in the near future, they are a must see act!

First time that I had heard this beautiful pianist from Russia. She was phenomenal! I also loved that the conductor, Victor Yampolsky, spoke to the audience and explained the Tschaikovsky and Prokofiev pieces that some of us were hearing for the first time.

HSO all Rock and Roll. The conductor was dancing while leading the orchestra and had the audience up out of our seats singing and swaying to the good old tunes. Fantastic night.

This was a fabulous concert. Each one of these men is an accomplished virtuoso with incredible credentials. Their uniqueness and skill did not disappoint. The music was fantastic and the banter very amusing, informative, and memorable. Each artist had a chance to speak with wisdom and humor. The HSO was, as always, superb. I would have liked to have heard some classical numbers written for brass, perhaps from Purcell, and a trumpet voluntary.

This was truly a memorable concert my grandsons and I thoroughly enjoyed. Even though my grandsons are teenagers now, every tale and music brought back a flood of happy times and wonderful childhood memories. We vowed we would watch all the Disney movies over again. The level of musicianship was superb at every level- conductor, musicians, singers - and certainly worth every penny!

The visiting Director, Rob Fischer, was outstanding. The symphony members were, as always, fantastic. And the Na Leo members were their usual great selves. Music played wasn't just run-of-the-mill Christmas music. It was a great mixture of old, new, and local, often done with a unique twist.

The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra provided an excellent performance highlighted by the works of Beethoven and Dvorak. The evening was a welcomed escape from the turmoil that has recently characterized international events. Classical music is a portal to a place of peace and tranquility. We need to work tirelessly to maintain the HSO, it is an Oahu treasure.

It kept my young ones attention. Very well done. All seats are good seats. This venue has large enough aisles that aid in exiting rows. HSO is great

HSO is always amazing but this show was especially great. The symphony all dressed up in Halloween costumes and it was so much fun to see everyone dressed up! They had a costume contest that offered some really great prizes too. Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is always a joy to watch but seeing it in this way allowed me to experience one of my favorite films in a whole new way! Overall, it was a great and fun experience for kids and adults of all ages!

Awesome show, the orchestra was great. The sound of the vocals from the movie was too loud though, at some points I could only hear Jack Skellington singing :(. Worth the money overall.

we loved every moment. impressive.astounding. words cannot express.

The two divas were excellent! Very funny and interactive with the audience. I took my husband, grandma ,and parents, and we all loved it!

I attended the event because I was familiar with all the pieces performed by the orchestra, but what a treat it was to watch the amazing performances of the Cirque de la Symphonie performers! The collaboration between the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and Cirque de la Symphonie was a fantastic idea...it was the perfect combination of spectacular musical performance and thrilling circus acts. The capacity crowd and myself were enthralled by the performances, all of which were matched precisely to the beat and mood of the music. If there were any downsides, I would say that I did notice that some people did not bother to pick up after themselves and throw their beverage cups away, as there were a few of them left on the ground as we exited. Thank you so much for a great performance!!

The orchestra was first rate and was well coordinated with the Cirque. The combination made for a wonderful evening.

So many wonderful and familiar musical selections accompanied the very talented acrobats. It was hard for the audience and the orchestra to concentrate on the music with acrobats soaring overhead (Miss Van Loo was stunning!) and tossing around a huge metal cube, juggling multiple spinning disks, balancing on one arm, quick-changing costumes, or powering through impossible elements of strength. Bravo to the HSO for this program (and the others that preceded it in the series). This certainly attracts an audience that may come again to HSO concerts that are not as visual. Program notes were informative. Would like to know if these performers do this sort of thing elsewhere on a regular basis so I could let mainland friends know about where they might appear.

Didn't know what to expect, as my wife and I have little experience with symphony performances. The wedding of symphonic mastery with circus like performances was a treat to the eyes as well as the ears. This was a wonderful performance.

We sat Balcony S25+27 and don't think there is a bad seat in the house (we were in the last row). Great musicians, entertaining conductor, and impressive cirque acrobats! We are in our late 20s and really enjoyed something different for date night, saw a wide range of attendees from 18-80. Plenty of legroom (6'0" tall) and comfortable seats made the whole show enjoyable.

The performance was exceptional in every way. A splendid mix of art forms that kept the audience engaged; applauding, laughing, listening and watching attentively. We have thoroughly enjoyed each of the programs that we have seen from HSO; this was no exception.

Beautiful show, amazing performance. What a great combination: classical music + circus performers. Perfect talent!!

The circus theme was very entertaining! Amazing performance of HSO!!

Great show only too bad it was only 1 night. Defeats the "recommend to a friend" point.

Disney in Concert was amazing, a great event for ALL ages! All of the performers (singers and musicians) were amazing and we were all delighted with the versatile styles and voices of the singers. We wished it was a little longer but understandable that they kept it to two hours (including intermission) since there were a great deal of kiddies in the audience. I was disappointed that they didn't play one of their greatest classics, "When You Wish Upon a Star" but we enjoyed every song that was performed. My family really enjoyed the video clips and sing-a-long. We would definitely go again, hopefully they update their video clips and mix it up with their other classics the next time around.

Way better than expected. The singers were amazing. One of the best purchases I've made in a long time.

We took our 18 year old granddaughter to her first symphony concert and she loved it. She wants to attend the Disney concert in January.

The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra's last performance this season was great! Conrad Tao's performance of Grieg's Piano Concerto was mesmerizing, and I was in awe of every note. Conrad Tao's encore of a movement from Prokofiev's Piano Sonata was stunning.

Alas, we were out of town for the only concert that featured contemporary, innovative music. The old war horses are boring. Conrad Tao's encore was terrific, too bad whoever is selecting music for the symphony isn't as adventuresome as he obviously is. We badly want to have a symphony orchestra, but not if 90% of the musical selections are old standards.

The whole concert was delightful. Made me think "how suitable for spring"---light and lovely.The conductor and orchestra worked together so smoothly and perfectly. I was so impressed and I have been going to Symphony for more years than you can imagine---in Boston, Cincinnati, Paris and Honolulu. We came here as snow birds and moved here permanently eleven years ago and so very glad we made that decision. I am so very glad to have the symphony back again !!

Conductor Stuart Chafetz did a great job on opening night. His sense of humor captivated the entire audience. I sure hope the people who came to this concert just-because will continue to support HSO and attend future venues. This season's lineup will include a variety of themes, showcasing some very gifted musicians, which I am excited for. There's only one slight disappointment for tonight's concert though. Being that it was a "Pops" concert, I would have expected at least one "hip" (altered) piece. But then again, it was the HSO playing and not the Hawaii Pops. Overall, I'd recommend this; I'd see it again. It's just too bad that they couldn't play all of John Williams' pieces.

The HSO opened with a Candide, a fun, brilliant and energetic showcase leading up to Sarah's appearance in a gorgeous cascading dress. She played Bruch's Violin Concerto No.1 beautifully and with playful innocence and suddenly the fiery flare and signature sassiness one would expect from the Korean prodigy.

The music by an orchestra was fabulous. I was moved to tears when the theme from ET was played - brought back memories of a time. Went basically to hear the opening theme of Star Wars and the orchestra did not disappoint! One bar and everyone knows that song! So dramatic so timeless and so cool! John Williams is a genius!

This was such an awesome show. The orchestra was flawless and the performers were on point. I enjoyed the show so much, I will definitely see it again when they come back through!

My family had a great experience. Great for all ages.

They were perfect! Already planning for next year!

TOTALLY AWESOME!!! Way beyond what we expected. Led Zeppelin would be proud! Best Concert in a long time!!! My only suggestion: have food stands outside & several drink stations w/attendants. Still....a NIGHT TO REMEMBER!!!!!

It was such an amazing concert! They played exactly like the original band! Would do it again in a heartbeat!

This Hawaii Symphony Orchestra's presentation of Led Zeppelin was INCREDIBLE! The place was "shaking" because of the "Packed" House!

Second time I've seen Windborne w the Honolulu symphony and its high energy and not to be missed. He nailed Robert Plant . Can't wait for the next round.

Next time hire a sound guy. I'm sure Ms. Souza is a fine singer. They should have turned on her microphone so we could hear her.

I was very excited with the event since we don t get many latin ones in Hawaii and probably had my expectations high. The performance was very good, but the choice of songs was very outdated and many had nothing to do with latin music. Probably a good show if labeled oldies . Sorry, we were very dissatisfied.

Took mom and the kids. They played a wide range of latin music from the 30's to current see so there was something for everyone!

This event was so much fun and very engaging. Excellent for all ages.

What a wonderful show. Ridiculously fun and well done. Thank you!

Excellent venue., this is the third time I ve seen the concert in honolulu. I will recommend to my friends who are Glenn miller fan.

The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra is amazing! They did a great job paying tribute to Michael Jackson!

Michael Jackson with the HSO was the bomb! Thoroughly enjoyed the music and the way the HSO blended with the live band! We went to the Saturday Nov. 4 show and the only drawback and the reason for only four stars is that the Blaisdell staff should have done a better job controlling and elderly lady who kept going on stage and doing splits in a dress, three of them to be exact, (we had a ringside seats and it wasn't pretty!). Meanwhile, a couple that was sitting near us got up and danced and was a little touchy feely but nowhere near as gross as the lady who kept returning to the stage, but the usher was quick to make her way to them and talk to them about their dancing, this being after everyone was invited by the announcer to join in and dance! All-in-all the music was great, the band played a few extra encore songs and we had a good time.

We totally love MJ and so does our 6 year old son so of course we had to see this show. To be honest, we had no idea what to expect and we weren't really expecting much but wow! I can't believe the talent we saw and how entertaining the whole nite was. After a while, I forgot that it wasn't the real Michael that we were watching. Our family truly enjoyed it and will definitely watch it again if they ever come back.

As a group they do ok. It s just a 5 man show so they are slightly limited. Sax and trumpet players had a lot of energy and were fun to watch. One of the two male dancers was a little hard to watch and looked like a tweaker. Back ground vocals lack or it could be that whoever was in charge of sound (in back of theatre) made everything way too loud to be able to even hear main vocals at times. HSO however, was fabulous!

The Cirque de la Symphonie was a delight to behold and hear. Unfortunately, a couple had an infant next to us whom they proceeded to feed and jostle incessantly in order to keep him quiet. There was so much movement and activity that it greatly hindered our enjoyment of the performance right above and before us. I tried to catch the ushers' attention during the first half but was unable. We moved our seats for the second half. This performance needed a warning about the age range permitted, and the ushers need to be vigilant. Truly disappointed as we only enjoyed half the show, which was a treat that we had anticipated. Many people were using their smart phones to film the show and take pictures. The rules were not clear to some. Please clarify from the start as the phones disturb the performers and other viewers.

For my wife's birthday, I decided to take her to see the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and Cirque de la Symphonie. This was the first symphony concert for both of us, and we couldn't have had a better time. The music was great, but I'd have to say the acrobatic performances really made the experience for us. But, I cannot forget about the conductor...he was so much fun to watch and listen to. Please bring this back again, and we'll be there...with friends in tow! Mahalo for a wonderful evening! Aloha

What a wonderful thrill to enjoy the Hawaii Symphony! Such talented people. Awesome conductor. Looking forward to my experience. soon!

Everything was wonderful. The music was perfection. The conductor was engaging, enthusiastic and full of amazing stories. My children and I were entertained and uplifted.

I hope there will be another Harry Potter & Honolulu Orchestra collaboration. It was fun, dynamic, stunning and magical.

It surpassed all my expectations. Being able to hear the score played live while watching my all time favorite book/movie series was the best way to bring in the new year! I hope that they will be doing this for the rest of the books. I'd definitely be going

WOW! A live orchestra soundtrack to amazing screen performance of the last 50 years of star trek + they encouraged people to dress up. We had second row seat and it was a night to remember - will never forget this experience. It was amazing.

Breathtaking concert. Probably will never happen again. Hope you didn't miss it!

An ouststanding multimedia experience. Highly recommended!

Awesome season opener. I've been to see many symphony orchestra performances around the world and the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra was the most diverse. I saw a range of ages that is very rare to see. Also, the crowd was very diverse as well. It's great to see young people enjoy and take part in this timeless art form.