Hawaii Symphony Orchestra Announces Reimagined Season Finale

Renée Fleming Withdraws Due to Illness; Season Finale to Feature Simone Porter, A World Premiere, And Holst's "The Planets"

HONOLULU, HI — (June 3, 2026) — The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra (HSO) today announced a program change for its Season Finale concert on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall. Renowned soprano Renée Fleming has been advised by her medical team to rest and will be unable to travel to Hawaii or perform with the orchestra due to illness.

"Renée Fleming regrets that illness is preventing her from travelling to Hawaii to sing with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra," said Fleming's team in a statement. "She looks forward to rescheduling this special concert at a later date."

The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra extends its warmest wishes for her full and speedy recovery and looks forward to welcoming her to Hawaii in the future.

In response, HSO Music & Artistic Director Dane Lam and the orchestra's artistic team have assembled a new Season Finale program celebrating Hawaii's artistic excellence, featuring internationally acclaimed violinist Simone Porter, a world premiere by HSO Composer-in-Residence Michael-Thomas Foumai, and Gustav Holst's monumental orchestral masterpiece, The Planets.

"What kind of HSO season finale does our community deserve?" said Lam. "This was at the front of my mind when I learnt that Renée Fleming was unable to join us in Hawaii for this weekend's concert. And so, the entire artistic team sprang into action to craft a program befitting this brilliant orchestra in this most special of communities.

"I am so grateful to Simone Porter for agreeing to join us at such short notice. Simone was last with us very early in my tenure as Music Director, when she gave an unforgettable rendition of the Sibelius Violin Concerto. On Sunday she'll play an evergreen of the violin repertoire — the Bruch Concerto — in what will surely be another incandescent performance.

"We're also treated to a world premiere from our Composer in Residence, Michael-Thomas Foumai. ?Aina Hanau is Michael's collaboration with Hawaii's own former Poet Laureate and friend of the orchestra, Brandy Nalani McDougall, in this homage to Mauna Kea, a marriage of words and music that is uniquely Hawaii.

"Of course, the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra — the orchestra for all of Hawaii — is comprised of 84 world-class musicians and soloists in their own right. And what better opportunity to showcase the talent we have residing, performing, and teaching here than Holst's The Planets. More than a vivid musical depiction of the planets, this piece for huge orchestra allows each of our musicians to shine as individuals and as the mighty orchestra we all know and love.

"Our HSO Season Finale turns mere grapes into the ultimate Premier Cru. Join me and the HSO ?ohana to celebrate the successes of the past year as we look to the future of this great orchestra for this great state."

Porter returns to Honolulu after her acclaimed 2023 performance of the Sibelius Violin Concerto with HSO. Recognized for her passionate artistry, interpretive depth, and vibrant stage presence, she has appeared with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Seattle Symphony, and Pittsburgh Symphony. A recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, Porter continues to captivate audiences around the globe with performances that combine technical brilliance and emotional connection.

The evening will also feature the world premiere of ?Aina Hanau (Birth Land), an HSO commission by Michael-Thomas Foumai with text by former Hawaii State Poet Laureate Brandy Nalani McDougall. The work pays tribute to Mauna Kea through a uniquely Hawai?i fusion of poetry and orchestral music.

The concert concludes with Holst's The Planets, one of the most celebrated orchestral works of the twentieth century and a spectacular showcase for the artistry and versatility of Hawai?i's own symphony orchestra.

DANE CONDUCTS THE PLANETS
Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 4:00 PM
Pre-Concert Conversation | 3:00 PM
Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall

PROGRAM
Michael-Thomas Foumai - ?Aina Hanau (Birth Land)
HSO Commission World Premiere
Text by Brandy Nalani McDougall, reciter

Max Bruch - Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor
Simone Porter, violin

Gustav Holst - The Planets

From the ?aina to the cosmos, this extraordinary season finale brings together a new Hawai?i-inspired work, one of classical music's most beloved violin concertos, and a sweeping orchestral masterpiece that celebrates the extraordinary talent of Hawai?i's own symphony orchestra.

All tickets issued through the Hawaii Theatre Box Office remain valid and will be honored for the revised Season Finale program on Sunday, June 7. Patrons who purchased tickets through Ticketmaster are encouraged to review the direct communication they received regarding applicable ticketing policies and available options.

The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra remains committed to ensuring a positive patron experience and appreciates the community's understanding and continued support.

Questions regarding Hawai?i Theatre Box Office purchases, exchanges, or donations may be directed to info@hawaiisymphonyorchestra.org or (808) 380-7724.

SOCIAL MEDIA: @hawaiisymphonyorchestra

About Hawaii Symphony Orchestra
Hawaii Symphony Orchestra (HSO) is the state’s premier provider of live symphonic music and a vital cultural presence in the Pacific, celebrating its 15th anniversary season. Rooted in Hawai?i and performing at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, HSO brings together world-class musicians to create powerful, immersive musical experiences that reflect both global artistry and Hawai?i’s unique cultural voice.

Beyond the concert stage, HSO is deeply committed to community connection and music education, sharing the joy of orchestral music through meaningful outreach, school partnerships, and accessible programming that welcomes audiences of all ages. Each season’s offerings, including signature series like the Halekulani Masterworks Series, Spotlight Concerts featuring HapaSymphony, Films in Concert, Beyond the Music, and Summer Festival; are designed not only to inspire lifelong music lovers, but also to strengthen ties across communities throughout Hawaii.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Renée Ragucci
Marketing Manager
Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra
(808)-380-7723
rragucci@hawaiisymphonyorchestra.org