Led by Greg Sardinha, Hawaiian steel guitar artist, the Poʻokela Trio will take you back to the music of 1930s and ’40s in Hawai‘i. Joined by Zachary N. Castro, guitar, and CT “Kata” Maduli, electric bass, Greg will whisk you away on a magical journey celebrating this iconic music!
All are invited to gather for pūpū in the Hörmann Courtyard and 6:15 pm. The concert is free, with a suggested donation $20. In addition, we will continue to collect packaged, unopened dry goods (e.g., cereal, flour, sugar, pasta, etc.) and canned food donations for the Angel Network at each concert.
Through the generous sponsorship of the Arthur and Mae Orvis Foundation and support from other individual supporters, this concert is free. Additional donations to support this concert and the entire series are gladly accepted online (details below) or at the concert.
First Mondays 2023–2024 Concert Series
Help Make “First Mondays” a Success by Becoming a Sponsor
Your tax-deductible donations make it possible for us to offer these free concerts to the community. Please consider a donation by sending a check (payable to “Lutheran Church of Honolulu”) to the church at 1730 Punahou Street, Honolulu HI 96822 or using the button to the right to make a secure donation via PayPal. Mahalo for your support.
The Northwest Edvard Grieg Society presents music by Norwegian-born composer Alf Hurum on the 100th anniversary of his immigration to Hawai‘i. Hurum was a renowned composer in Norway and was inspired by Debussy and Stravinsky. In the second half of his life, Hurum became a respected visual artist who was active in the Honolulu art scene. Featuring his compositions for men’s chorus, violin, and piano, and showcasing his paintings, this concert will explore the music and art of a man who called Hawai‘i home for over 40 years.
Dr. Barry Wenger plays the Beckerath organ for our February concert “A World Tour in Sound: Making the Pipes Sing!”
Start the New Year right with electrifying string quartet versions of music by your favorite Latin American composers, including Oscar Eduardo Peña, Arturo Marquez, and others. You will be whisked away on a journey that begins 2024 in style!
Join our brass ensemble for some fresh arrangements of your favorite traditional carols. Inspired by A Festival of Carols in Brass, recorded in 1967 by the Philadelphia Brass Ensemble, these arrangements were created by Japan-born trumpet player Hayato Tanaka. Performing will be Casey Tamanaha and Ethan Garland, trumpets; Marie Lickwar, horn; Gabe Cruz, euphonium; Jordan Goto, trombone; and Lisa Stoneham, bass trombone.
New Hawai‘i-based duo ‘Imi Ola (to seek life in its highest form) will transform us through the music of Queen Lili‘uokalani, Alban Berg, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and others. You will be serenaded by the transcendent soprano voice of Natalie Mitchell collaborating with the vibrant piano skills of Jasmine Nagano. They will take you on a journey through art songs from around the world and provide you with an unforgettable evening.
Legends in the Hawai‘i music community, Benny Chong, ‘ukulele, and Byron Yasui, bass, will present a concert featuring ‘ukulele jazz, ‘ukulele and bass duets, rarely-heard ‘ukulele duets, and a talk story where both players will describe their start in ‘ukulele playing. This concert will flow through a variety of musical genres, and the artists will also share with us demonstrations of solo ‘ukulele styles and repertoire from the 1940s, as compared to those of the present. Come join us for this unique experience.
The First Mondays Concert Series remembers September 11th with a concert of sublime and transcendent music. An orchestra of outstanding local musicians led by Alexander Peña will be joined by soloists Helen Liu (violin), Alex Hayashi (oboe), and Kathleen Long (cello). The program includes Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber (1910–1981), Concerto for Violin and Oboe in c minor, bwv 1060
May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi. To honor the day, Duane Padilla and friends weave a lei of favorite songs by Queen Liliʻoukalani arranged for string quartet. The arrangements were created by Duane Padilla, and he will be performing them along with Daniel Padilla, Alex Peña, and Heewon Lee. They will be joined by world-renowned guitarist Jeff Peterson and students from Hawai’i Youth Opera Chorus presenting traditional mele. Get ready for an exciting program!
Julia Richter and Connie Uejio present a program of beautiful music for flute and harp, featuring works by Saint-Saëns, Beethoven, Bizet, and many more. Julia and Connie are both active performers in the Honolulu area; both playing with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, and Julia recently joined the Royal Hawaiian Band. This is an evening not to be missed.