A well crafted program that was executed masterfully. A priceless performance. 

As the first concert of this season, this was probably the best concert that was presented in years. The program and quality of singers have vastly improved with depth and richness not heard in years. I believe that this is a good sign for the future of EMH. Although there were doubts with the announcement of change in leadership last year, I believe that there is hope for a strong future. The outreach to students and new blood is also a big welcome for the future.

Beautiful performance as always! 

Beyond lovely…sublime.

Heavenly!

These were some of the comments audience-goers made at last Saturday’s Early Music Hawaii, “Cantus Germanicus.” I for one thought that the rehearsals went well, but at the concert, the music went even better!

Thanks to Linda Muller for these photos.

One kind soul told me that the Pachelbel “Prelude in D minor” that I played “brought the house down!” Another said that it was the best piece on the program!

However, director and president, Scott Fikse, said that there was one important person not present at the event — former Early Music Hawaii president, Ian Capps, who had been hospitalized for two weeks. He didn’t, however, indicate the seriousness of Ian’s condition, and on Sunday night, September 21, 2025, at 11 pm, Ian passed away.

We are sad to announce the death of Ian Capps, former president of Early Music Hawaii. As president, Ian spearheaded the development and growth of EMH on O‘ahu, into the premier organization for the presentation of Renaissance and Baroque music on the island. Ian was the creator and host of The Early Muse, a weekly program of Hawai‘i Public Radio, which has been on air continuously since December 2004. The program explores the development of Western Music over the 500 years from the 12th through the 17th centuries. 

A native Londoner, Ian graduated from Oxford University and worked as an editor and executive for Reuters and other global news organizations, living and working in many different countries over nearly 40 years. He retired in 2001 after 9 years as President and CEO of the New York-based global news distributor PR Newswire. 

He and his wife Jeannette, a native of Hawai’i and UH graduate, met while singing Renaissance music in New York. They relocated to Hawai‘i upon retirement.

“As an amateur singer, I have been lucky enough to work with outstanding groups in major cities around the world and with many individuals who have moved on to successful musical careers,” said Ian. “Early on in my travels, I discovered that music, as a universal language, is a great introduction to a new society. And that the voice is the easiest instrument to take with you wherever you go.”

Here are some of the reactions to my shocking announcement:

I am so very sad to hear of dear Ian’s passing. He was a visionary and a lovely man. Honolulu is so much better for his contributions and leadership. (Tim Carney)

I’m sorry to hear this news. Ian was such a gift to the world in so many ways and a delightful gentle soul. Bless you and everyone who worked with him and loved him. (Angela Freeman)

I’m so sorry to learn this. RIL. He was such a lovely person. And we were blessed by him indeed. (Malia Kaai-Barrett)

I’m so sad to hear this. He was always a joy to talk with and had so much knowledge. (Barry Wenger)

Blessings on his life. His enthusiasm and joy for early music spilled over into the many EMH concerts we have been privileged to enjoy over the years. (Randy Castello)

In Heaven He is meeting all the composers that he dearly loved! (John Bicknell)

Our hearts are broken hearing this sad news. RIP, Ian, and may the angels sing praises in your new place. Hugs to Jeannette who has to go on without her life partner. (Olivia Castro)

I am deeply sorry to hear this. I have such fond memories of him, he will be terribly missed. (Linda Fuller)

I sang with Ian in Cantores Hemolele. He was such an inspiration – so positive and with a lovely, clear tenor. I especially remember him singing “This is the Record of John”. Requiescat in pace, Ian, and love and strength to Jeannette (Mary Fiedler)

So sad to hear this news. Ian was such a fantastic human being and his passion for music left an impression on anyone he met. (Anna Callner Pare)

Oh Dear Ian, you will be missed. Soar above and watch over us. I always enjoyed listening to the Early Muse on HPR and of course, being excited to sing for you in Early Music Hawai’i. You were always quick to praise what you deemed beautiful and just as quick to point out where we could improve But most of all, you just loved to hear your favorite pieces being done by your EMH singers and see that there are people in the future generations who love what you loved so dearly. I’m so blessed to have been able to know you. (Taylor Ishida)

Aloha, Ian!