Classical Music on Maui

Tonight was the final concert of this year's Maui Classical Music Festival 2012. It was wonderful! On the program were works by Bolcom, Bernstein, Gershwin and Dvorak. Dvorak's string quintet in E Flat, Op. 97 "American" was particularly beautiful.

I was personally struck by the differences between this classical concert and those I have attended on the North American mainland and Europe. Have I ever mentioned how casual Maui is? So, for example, there was not a single person in the hall wearing a suit! Not on stage or in the audience. Instead we saw many Hawaiian shirts and similarly casual attire.

The concert was held in a little historic church in Makena (about a 15 minute drive south from South Kihei towards the lava fields), Keawala'i Congregational Church.


historic Keawala'i Congregational Church in Makena (with a great ocean view!)

This little church has two foot thick white-washed walls (made out of coral). There are no decorations in the church, other than gorgeous tropical flower arrangements at the front at the altar. There is no air-conditioning, but ceiling fans and open windows. In the pews next to the Hawaiian language hymnals, there are grass fans in case we get too hot.


Before the actual concert started, the kahu (minister) of the church welcomed the audience and especially the performers to the church. He welcomed the performers by singing them a Hawaiian chant (singing about the beauty that we see in Creation around us). Then the performers were presented with beautiful flower leis. After all this, the concert could begin.

During intermission we enjoyed the church's yard, with the graveyard and ocean to one side, enjoying refreshments provided by the church. Then we were once again invited inside for more beautiful music. It was a memorable evening!

If you enjoy classical music - keep an eye out for next year's music festival. It is definitely worth attending!

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