Bravi, tutti!

This was the title of an email we performers received from Scott Fikse, director of Saturday’s “Baroque France” concert, and newly-appointed President for Early Music Hawaii. We were especially encouraged by the large and enthusiastic crowd that filled the Lutheran Church of Honolulu.

Scott wrote:

Congratulations to all of you on a splendid concert last Saturday! … we arrived at a place where real artistry was happening. For much of the concert we were able to reach a level of performance where we were no longer just trying to “get it right.” From Aubrey’s enchanting air de cour with Sadee at the harpsichord, to the palpable energy of the quintet singing Cantate Domino, to the orchestra bringing their phrasing to more sensitive levels in Nisi Dominus, we leveled up. 

I also want to acknowledge our continuo section – Kathleen for her consistently responsive playing throughout the program, and Kathy, Jason, and Sadee who made such wonderful improvisatory choices. Another special mention – our Armide choreographer and dancers. The audience loved you! 

Lastly, each of you brought positivity and buy-in to this project. I felt that from the beginning, and that’s a rare gift. 

With these kinds of things going so well, one thinks about what is possible now. What’s next for EMH? Exciting stuff! I look forward to working together in the future. 

The choir entered by “dancing down the aisle!”

Ian Capps, now President Emeritus of Early Music Hawaii, wrote this:

… I would like to add my congratulations to those of Scott. Many of you have sung and played with us for years and appreciate the special nature of the music. It was a great pleasure to welcome a number of new performers, especially on the larger instrumental side, who captured your fever and made the whole experience one of the most exciting of all. 

There were many long time supporters in the audience who are now sophisticated connoisseurs of this music. Their praise for this program and its performance was universal. It was a full house and we can be sure that they will be back for more!

Scott has become an inspiration and leader for all of us. With this program, he has added an instinct for good program design to his great talents as a musician, director and teacher. His decision to add dancers to a program for the first time was a great success with the audience. We can look forward to many more such treasures in the future.

Thank you, Scott, and thanks to all of you for a wonderful evening.

Performers for this concert included:

The Singers: Aubrey Aikens, Andrea Maciel, Georgine Stark, soprano; Sarah Lambert Connelly, Taylor Ishida, alto; Mark Primeau-Redmond, Chris Serrano, tenor; Kamuela Akeo, baritone, Keane Ishii, David Webb, bass

The Players: Philip Gottling, Irene Sakimoto, recorder; Darel Stark, Michelle Kim, violin; Mark Butin, Alexander Peña, viola; Kathleen Long, cello, Jason Nomura, guitar; Katherine Crosier, organ; Sadee Xu, harpsichord

The Dancers: Sarah Montoni, Lauren Rayburg

Here are some comments from some of the performers:

I had a fantastic time collaborating with you and all of the EMH musicians. You should feel quite proud and accomplished!

Thanks for the opportunity to play such fantastic repertoire. Looking forward to many more in the future.

Ah, hooray to another inspiring performance with EMH! You all bring so much joy to music and I am so honored to work with each and every one of you!

We always put together such a fabulous experience, and all the audience members that I talked to had nothing but praise and appreciation to share.

Thanks to our plea to the audience to fill out the post-concert survey, we were able to receive these comments:

Wonderful ensemble, interesting selections. Loved Cantate Domino

The concert last night was outstanding! Scott did a wonderful job putting it together! And it was really nice seeing the church packed! Carol Langner’s posters were very helpful and thanks for acknowledging her efforts in putting if together! And thanks to Ian for all his outstanding job! Good luck Scott!!

Wow. Great concert. Beautifully done.

1. I was able to meet and take pictures with Scott Fikse (director). I loved that he explained some of what the music piece was about, before it was orchestrated.  2. I don’t know much about music , but because the book was organized I was able to kind of follow along. 3. I went home in tears, because I wish I was able to experience stuff like this as a child. I always wanted to play the violin, but we never had money growing up. I sat and watched the violinist, and I  Imagined my self performing with them. 4. Georgine Stark was the first soloist, and I couldn’t believe how good of a singer she was. What also stood out, was that she was of African American descent. When I saw her sing, she helped me realize that I can also do something within the music realm ( also being of African American descent). 5. What I loved was that the “Early Music Hawaii” singers had a mixture of different nationalities. Usually in music there are two dominant races ( Caucasian and Asian), but I saw every race amongst the performers. By seeing different races perform, it helps adults and children see themselves one day performing (the next generation).  6. The people who attend the function and the performers were extremely nice. I was able to meet a lot of different people, from all walks of life. 7. I got lost as the performers sang different pieces. The person sitting next to me helped me pinpoint who was singing in the  different parts of the program. 8. This entire place was packed, with almost no seats available. I think folding chairs might have to be purchased, for the next events.

This concert was especially good as it showcased our local talents.

Lovely concert! Was a joy to work with Scott and the dancers!

I enjoyed this concert more than some of the other ones.  Lots of variety, interesting music. My wife is the music person, I drive and offer support.

Very professional, soothing music, impressed with the talent shown by all performers. Definitely will try and attend the next concert.

Such amazing talent! So nice to find this little pocket of music in Hawaii. Thank you

I LOVED the music selections, all the musicians, and I enjoyed seeing the beautiful dancers… what a first time treat! Thank you!!

I guess everyone loved the concert! Thank you all for coming.