About Us

Inspiring artistry, empowering youth, and uniting the community.

Since 2018, the Hawaiʻi Chamber Music Festival (HCMF) has presented some of the finest classical chamber music concerts with world-renowned artists in the state of Hawaiʻi. The annual festival offers the community intimate yet masterful performances, and also connects passionate students to these artists, inspiring the newest generation of musicians.

At its heart is the Young Artist Program (YAP), which provides a unique and immersive chamber music experience for talented strings and piano students in Hawaiʻi. YAP’s full-tuition scholarships ensures that applicants from diverse backgrounds throughout Hawai‘i have the opportunity to pursue their passion for music. The program’s intensive training and collaborative performances facilitates camaraderie and mutual respect among the young musicians.

HCMF’s partnerships with institutions like the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Masaki School of Music, and University of Hawaiʻi reflect its steadfast dedication to excellence in music education. Inspiring mentorship by YAP’s world-class artists and educators further develops students’ zeal for lifelong learning and artistic exploration. Since its inception, YAP has supported over 60 students, many of whom have gone on to prestigious institutions including Harvard, Yale, Vanderbilt, and the Colburn School.

While the summer festival is its signature event, HCMF is devoted to giving back to the community year-round through its philanthropic efforts. HCMF has partnered with organizations such as the Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation, Let Grace In, KUPU Hawaii, Alzheimer’s Association Hawaii, HUGS (Help, Understanding & Group Support) Hawaii, Wish Makers, and the Maui Strong Fund, raising funds and awareness for causes that touch the lives of countless individuals in the community.

Another key aspect of HCMF’s community involvement is its active engagement with local businesses. HCMF cultivates strong connections within Hawaiʻi by participating in initiatives like Zippy’s Mahalo May Campaign and collaborating with venues such as STAGE Restaurant & Amuse Wine Bar, Fatto A Mano, Str8 Up Bar, and Pitch Sports Bar.

In 2023, HCMF appointed internationally-acclaimed violinist Stefan Jackiw as its Artistic Director, bringing new perspective and innovation to the festival.

With unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, accessibility, and community engagement, the Hawaiʻi Chamber Music Festival uses the power of music to inspire, unite, and celebrate our vibrant community and youth.

HCMF is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

EIN: 83-1843340

Meet the Team

  • Christopher Yick

    President

  • Stefan Jackiw

    Artistic Director

  • Jon Lee

    Director of Operations

  • Shiqi (Sadee) Xu

    Young Artist Program Manager

Board of Directors

  • Christopher Yick

    President

  • John C. Robinson

    Chairman

  • Alex Tomita

    Vice Chairman

  • Lilian Tsai

    Secretary

  • Hiroyuki Koida

    Treasurer

  • Elton Masaki

    Director

  • Lance Suzuki

    Director

  • Jeff Battcher

    Director