Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra set to perform free MELE FOR MAUI concert Sept. 19 in Kāʻanapali

In its 15th anniversary season, the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra will visit Maui for the first time in 10 years, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 19, for a free MELE FOR MAUI summer classical music concert event at the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows in Kāʻanapali.

The orchestra was recently designated as the “official state orchestra of Hawai‘i.”

“The arts have a unique way of bringing people together across generations and backgrounds,” said Mayor Richard Bissen. “I’m grateful to everyone who made this free event, MELE FOR MAUI , possible so that residents and visitors alike can experience the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra and celebrate the richness and resilience of our island community.” 

MELE FOR MAUI  sponsors include the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, Hawaiian Airlines and Hawaiian Council of Hawaiʻi, in partnership with the Kāʻanapali Golf Course, Hawai‘i Stage, Roberts Hawai‘i, the Kāʻanapali Operations Association, 2 Shrugs LLC and Highgate Hawai‘i, with additional support from a grant in aid from the state of Hawai‘i Legislature.

“The mana of Maui is renowned for a reason; it’s deeply rooted, bold, resilient, steadfast – it’s what the world needs now more than ever.” said Kelly Sanders, Group President of Highgate Hawai‘i. “When you bring the community together with the intention of honor, reflection and celebration – paired with the transformative mele of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, something very special happens, and I believe we will experience that on September 19 – it will be a night to remember.” 

Led by Music & Artistic Director Dane Lam, the 64 musicians of Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra will present an evening of live symphonic music inspired by Maui’s beloved land and people. Enjoyed under a canopy of celestial stars, MELE FOR MAUI  brings together Hawaiʻi’s own award-winning artists, including Amy Hānaiali‘i Gilliom, Raiatea Helm, Keola Beamer, John Cruz, Jeff Peterson, Kala‘e Camarillo among others, along with the music of composer Michael-Thomas Foumai, and the world-premiere of “Rain Shadow” by composer Sean Hickey.  

“When the orchestra was formed, the name Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra was a conscious choice: a professional orchestra for the entire state and all its islands,” Lam said. “Being an archipelago, sharing HSO’s uniquely electric brand of live music comes with logistical and resource challenges… After all that Maui has overcome, it’s fitting Lahaina is the location for HSO’s return to interisland touring — making sure that everyone in Hawai‘i has access to the world class, transformative music-making of HSO.” 

This special live concert event, livestreamed and televised on Hawaii News Now, celebrates the vibrancy of Maui through an evening of music and community. Guests will also enjoy a local artisan mākeke (market) at The Branches featuring Maui made goods available for purchase. 

The event can be viewed live on HawaiiNewsNow.com and through the HNN app on mobile devices, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. It will also be broadcast on K5 and available through cable, satellite, over the air antenna, and streaming television providers including YouTube TV and Fubo.  

To celebrate the weekend of MELE FOR MAUI as a staycation, Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows is offering Love Hawaiʻi  for Kama’āina and the Ultimate Aloha Stay for visitors. 

To learn more about MELE FOR MAUI please visit www.royallahaina.com/mele-for-maui.