In celebration of the 50th anniversary this year of Hōkūle‘a’s maiden voyage to Tahiti, the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra (HSO) presents, for the first time, Dr. Michael-Thomas Foumai’s complete choral symphony, “Raise Hawaiki.” Foumai has been a University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu lecturer in Music (Humanities) and Creative Media since 2020, and the HSO Composer in Residence since 2022.
The concert, “Hōkūle‘a 50,” will be from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Concert ticket holders are also invited to a pre-concert conversation at 3 p.m. in the auditorium.
Inspired by the legendary voyages of Hōkūle‘a and the powerful words of Eddie Aikau and Nainoa Thompson, concert goers will experience the trials and triumphs of Polynesian voyaging with captivating visual projections of historical photos alongside video from the current Moananuiākea voyage, according to the HSO website.
“Raise Hawaiki tells one of the greatest stories of the people of Hawai‘i, recounting the origins of Hōkūle‘a, the resurgence of Hawaiian consciousness, and the courage and sacrifice of Eddie Aikau,” Foumai said.
Foumai said the performance features conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong, over 150 musicians of the combined HSO and O‘ahu Choral Society, narration by actor Moses Goods, visual projections of artwork by Herb Kāne and Hana Yoshihata, and historical videos and photographs from almost every voyage in the history of the Polynesian Voyaging Society.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime performance that speaks to the monumental 50th anniversary of the maiden voyage to Tahiti, and Eddie’s vision of perpetuating the voyaging legacy for future generations in Hawai‘i,” Foumai said.
Another opportunity to enjoy “Raise Hawaiki” will be the presentation, “Beyond the Music: Hokule‘a 50,” from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 18, at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Concert goers will join guest conductor Lecce-Chong, Foumai, and the HSO as they present excerpts from “Raise Hawaiki.” Presented with narration, storytelling, and projected visuals, the concert will offer a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to explore the connections between music and Polynesian navigation, according to the HSO website.
Purchase tickets here for “Beyond the Music: Hokule‘a 50” on Saturday, April 18. Purchase tickets here for “Hōkūle‘a 50” on Sunday, April 19. Click here to learn more about HSO. Click here to learn more about Foumai.