HONOLULU, Nov. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra (HSO) continues its mission of bringing live symphonic music to students, as showcased in a new documentary-style video. The film highlights Raise Hawaiki, an education program made possible by a substantial gift from Clark and Nicole Swalm.
Composed by HSO Composer in Residence Michael-Thomas Foumai, Raise Hawaiki tells the story of the Hōkūleʻa, the replica voyaging canoe that retraced how ancient Polynesians settled the Hawaiian Islands, navigating thousands of miles of open ocean using only the stars, winds, and currents. The film features interviews with members of the Polynesian Voyaging Society.
"Part of what the HSO does is tell stories about our history," said Amy Iwano, President and CEO. "Sharing this history through music introduces keiki to this heritage in a much more lasting and impactful way than just reading stories in a book."
"Music education isn't a luxury — it develops the brain in multiple ways, including promoting motor skills and social skills," said Nicole Swalm. "It opens up something in a young person that nothing else quite does."
"I hope that keiki who participate will feel inspired and be proud of where they come from," said Foumai. "To understand the culture is a sign of aloha and respect."
The Swalms' gift helped cover the costs to keep the program free and accessible to Hawaiʻi's schoolchildren.
For many Oʻahu students, an HSO concert is their first encounter with a live orchestra. As one teacher told HSO: "NONE of our keiki have ever been to a Symphony before."
This season, HSO aims to stage three educational concerts across Oʻahu, each costing $35,000-$50,000. School Matinee Concerts bring 3,000 students in grades 4-12 — from more than 65 schools — to the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall. Symphony in the Schools brings the full orchestra directly onto campuses.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of supporters at the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra’s recent gala, the organization surpassed its $150,000 Fund-a-Need goal, raising $164,900 to support its Education and Community Programs. This milestone reflects a shared commitment to making live orchestral music more accessible to keiki across Hawaiʻi.
One inspiring example is Keira Ida-Ayu, a Waiākea High School senior whose vision to bring the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra to Hilo has grown into a community-driven initiative. Through her project, Moku o Keawe Music, Keira successfully reached her fundraising goal, helping advance plans for HSO to visit Hawaiʻi Island in March 2027.
The proposed visit, currently in the planning and coordination stages, aims to bring live orchestral performances and educational experiences to students and families in Hilo. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to music education beyond Oʻahu and connecting young audiences with professional musicians.
Learn more about Keira’s initiative at www.mokuokeawemusic.org.
From welcoming thousands of students to Education Concerts at the Blaisdell Concert Hall to developing opportunities for neighboring island communities, HSO continues to connect young audiences with music, culture, and storytelling.
The more support HSO receives, the more keiki it can reach. Every additional gift helps expand educational programming, remove barriers to access, and inspire the next generation through the power of live music.
HSO invites friends and supporters near and far to help bring these transformative experiences to even more communities across Hawaiʻi.
Give at https://app.galabid.com/hsogala/items/09339a26-244c-4087-a2e8-ce5d607afdc4 or call (808) 380-7724. Year-round giving: https://www.myhso.org/donate.
Mahalo nui loa!
2026-27 SEASON MEDIA KIT (Courtesy of Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra).
ABOUT THE HAWAI‘I SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Now celebrating its 15th anniversary season, the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra (HSO) is the orchestra for all of Hawai‘i and the premier exponent of live symphonic music across the Pacific region. As the officially recognized state orchestra of Hawai‘i, HSO brings together world-class musicians to create powerful, immersive symphonic experiences that reflect both global artistry and Hawai‘i’s unique cultural voice through commissioning and championing Asia-Pacific composers, resurrecting lost repertoire born in these islands, and presenting celebrated international and local guest artists. 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 Hawaiʻi. For more information, visit myhso.org.
A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d343287-80d8-46d9-8bc0-50ff706f2d0d
