Iolani’s Orchestra V and six senior soloists received rave reviews for their performances on Sunday, February 5, at Kamehameha School.

The program opened with a transcription of the Saint-Saens Cello Concerto transcribed for viola. Alanna Tseng played brilliantly, using her control of the instrument to bring out every nuance that the composer called for in his music. The balance between soloist and the large orchestra was excellent. Sadie Yokota played the clarinet solos with a great sound as did Jeff Yang on the flute solos. The whole piece was delightful and provided a wonderful start for the rest of the program.

The Haydn Flute Concerto, which followed, allowed the small string orchestra called for in the score to bridge the distance from the romantic music of Saint-Saens to the crisp, joyous string sound of the classical period. Jeff Yang’s mellifluous flute sounds filled the auditorium and floated over the orchestra. His dazzling technique was displayed brilliantly in the cadenza near the end of the piece.

The Lalo Cello Concerto followed, moving back to the romantic era. The brilliant playing of Christine Chen displaying her musicality and virtuosity, balanced beautifully with the fine orchestral sound of the orchestra, particularly the brass section, giving the orchestra a fine, late romantic sound.

The opening of the Schumann Piano Concerto displayed the fine woodwind section of the orchestra and set the mood for Karynna Asao’s masterful interpretation of this great work. The rapid-fire give and take between the soloist and orchestra was done with excellent taste and the balance between the large orchestra and the piano was exceptionally good.

From the romantic period, the program moved to the 20th century with Ernest Bloch’s Rapsodie for Viola from his Suite Hebraique. Although this piece was written for viola and piano, the orchestral realization for this performance was scored for strings by Kathy Hafner and set the elegiac mood of this insightful music. Lauren Nakamura’s thoughtful interpretation displayed her understanding of Bloch’s ideas as well as her mastery of the viola.

The program concluded with Mendelssohn’s First Piano Concerto played with technical brilliance and artistry by Tonia Ko. This very familiar piece was given a breathtaking reading by both Tonia and the orchestra, incorporating wonderful tone, rhythmic precision and balance. It was a marvelous conclusion to an inspiring afternoon of great music.

All of the members of the orchestra played with remarkable intensity and flexibility and were able to adjust to the style of each different work. It was a truly amazing concert.

Iolani School’s Performing Arts Department is deeply grateful to Kamehameha School for allowing Iolani to present this program at the Princess Ruth Ke’elikolani Auditorium. Their hospitality was greatly appreciated by all.

Congratulations to all of the soloists, the orchestra members and their conductor, Kathy Hafner. 

CD’s of the concert may be ordered by calling 943-2313. The price is $10.00.