A love note to the symphony
Young violinist Akari Hatanaka
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Akari Hatanaka
December 21, 2009
Filed under Editorials, Top Stories
I have been going to Honolulu Symphony concerts since I was 3 or 4 years old. I was apparently quiet, never fidgeting or screaming.
Thirteen years later, I am still mesmerized by the Symphony’s musicianship. I enjoy listening to the HSO’s interpretation, whether I am familiar with the piece or not. When they perform, Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall fills with rich, classical goodness that I drink in as much as possible, and I leave with a fullness in my heart that almost overflows.
I may be coming off as a huge nerd, but sadly, my nerdly desires will no longer be fulfilled for the rest of the year — or possibly until next summer, when I attend another music festival. The Honolulu Symphony has cancelled the remaining concerts of 2009 and has filed for bankruptcy. It is unknown whether it will continue to exist. Some musicians from the Honolulu Symphony have already moved to the mainland and have auditioned for other orchestras.
Although the Honolulu Symphony may not be revived, I want to express my gratitude towards everyone and anyone who has ever been a part of it. From the moment of the first concert I attended to the ballet performances I danced in (which the Symphony accompanied,) each note I have heard from you all will continue to live inside of me.
Whether I am practicing alone in a practice room or performing in front of an audience, the music you gave to the world from your hearts is a part of the music I play, a part of me, something that can and will never be lost. I want you to know that you, an enormous influence in my life, have touched me in a way that cannot be altered. So thank you. Thank you to the musicians who I have watched play in the Symphony for so many years.
Unfortunately, I cannot express my appreciation enough with words. Although I may not know each musician personally, I have memorized your names from the programs, and despite the fact that I cannot match your name with your face, I have heard you play for the majority of my life. Please know that you have changed and affected many people’s hearts and music.
If I may ask a last favor, please, please do not walk away thinking you have not made a difference in the world with your art. If anything, please take away with you this thanks that cannot compare to the huge gift you have given me, a gift that will last a lifetime.
Thank you.
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What a lovely and moving tribute. I share your feelings as I had my first season ticket (thanks to very wise parents) at the age of 6 and now sing with the Honolulu Symphony Chorus. While we will miss hearing the live music during this period of reorganization, I have every faith that we will have the Honolulu Symphony back live again and as wonderfully rewarding and nourishing as ever.
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Thank you Akari for such a beautiful letter. I know that I speak for all my colleagues in the symphony when I say that your appreciation and love of music is what binds us all and gives us the strength and the courage to move forward. Like you I grew up in the symphony audience never dreaming that one day I would be a member of such a fantastic group of musicians. This would have been my 29th year with the orchestra; each and every year I looked forward to having some of our talented youth from our community join our ranks in the professional level. I hope that our community and its leaders will find a way to continue to make this possible for our orchestra and especially for our youth. Your sentiments, which I am sure are shared by many in this community, are the most powerful reason for us to work towards that goal!
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