Honolulu Symphony

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The Honolulu Symphony, also known as the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, was founded in 1900. The Honolulu Symphony is the oldest symphony orchestra west of the Rocky Mountains. Originally housed in a clubhouse on the slopes of Punchbowl, the Honolulu Symphony now plays from the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall in downtown Honolulu.

The Honolulu Symphony has undergone a series of transformations over the course of its first century, responding to the challenges and opportunities of the times. It has endured two World Wars, the Great Depression, financial crises, and changing musical and cultural fashions. The orchestra of professional musicians that performs today on the stage of the Blaisdell Center Concert Hall may bear little resemblance to the first group of amateur musicians which met in a clubhouse on the slopes of Punchbowl over 100 years ago. However, one thing remains constant: the mission of the Honolulu Symphony is to enhance the quality of life of the people of Hawaii by sustaining a symphony orchestra of the highest artistic quality.

The Symphony has established a legacy as one of Hawaii's great cultural, educational and entertainment resources. The dedicated and multi-talented musicians of the orchestra add immeasurably to the quality of life in the community, not only through the pleasure they inspire with their concerts, but also outside the Concert Hall — by enriching the entire cultural life of Honolulu.

From 1996 to 2004 , the Honolulu Symphony was under the direction of conductor Samuel Wong. Previous music directors include Donald Johanos, Robert La Marchina, and George Barati. The symphony also performs popular music under the direction of pops conductor Matt Catingub as the Honolulu Pops.

In August 2007, Andreas Delfs, current music director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, officially became principal conductor of the Honolulu Symphony. He will lead seven concerts per season in the orchestra's Halekulani Masterworks series. ^[1]