Hawai‘i Chamber Music Festival presents Season 8: Local Perspectives
Honolulu, Hawai‘i — The Hawaii Chamber Music Festival (HCMF) is thrilled to showcase its 8th season with the Ellen Masaki Ohana Series, presented by Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, celebrating the theme of “Local Perspectives.” This year’s festival brings together internationally celebrated guest artists and Hawaii’s own stars, creating a vibrant musical journey rooted in community and the spirit of aloha.
The season opens Friday, June 12, 2026, with “Aloha Friday! A Tribute to Henry Miyamura” at Orvis Auditorium. The evening launches the festival in spectacular fashion with a powerhouse ensemble featuring HCMF Artistic Director Stefan Jackiw alongside internationally acclaimed pianist Inon Barnatan, charismatic cellist Nicholas Canellakis, New York Philharmonic principal violist Cynthia Phelps, and virtuoso clarinetist Yoonah Kim performing works by Dohnányi, Brahms, and Dvořák. Proceeds support Henry Miyamura’s Legacy Project, honoring a beloved champion of Hawaii’s musical community.
The festival continues Sunday, June 14, with “Stefan’s Salon at the Kahala,” an intimate recital where Stefan Jackiw joins forces with local pianist Sadee Xu. Presented at the elegant The Kahala Hotel & Resort, the evening reflects the festival’s spirit of collaboration while celebrating the resort’s “Legacy of Aloha.” The program will also feature select alumni of HCMF’s tuition-free Young Artist Program, bringing together celebrated artists and the next generation of musicians.
On Monday, June 15, the music moves oceanside to the Kaimana Beach Hotel for “Haydn’s Nēnē.” The evening showcases the dynamic Kaimana Quartet of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music alongside local artists Yuseon Nam and Sung Chan Chang, highlighting the festival’s signature blend of global artistry and Hawaii’s own stars.
The music continues on Wednesday, June 17, where HCMF returns to the Lutheran Church of Honolulu for “A Cello Mele-Bration,” a virtuosic showcase featuring the electrifying artistry of Nicholas Canellakis alongside internationally acclaimed pianist Janice Carissa.
The celebration continues Friday, June 19, with HCMF’s annual gala at the The Kahala Hotel & Resort, “East Meets West.” The evening blends music, culture, and aloha with legendary taiko master Kenny Endo and honors one of the festival’s most beloved supporters, philanthropist Jackie Mahi Erickson.
As the weekend unfolds, the festival’s artists come together for “A Kama‘āina Collaboration” on Saturday, June 20, performing Mendelssohn’s Octet in a joyful gathering that unites visiting stars with Hawaii’s own musicians.
The season concludes Sunday, June 21, with HCMF’s debut at La Pietra – Hawaii School for Girls in a special Father’s Day concert, “Stefan & ‘Ohana.” In this celebratory finale, Stefan Jackiw performs Mendelssohn’s beloved Violin Concerto with the Zippy’s Young Artist Orchestra, bringing together the next generation of musicians and local talent through a shared aloha of music for the community to enjoy.
With internationally acclaimed guest artists, Hawaii’s own stars, and unforgettable collaborations, the 8th season of HCMF promises to make audiences want more—“hana hou!”
The 2026 Ellen Masaki Ohana Series is sponsored by Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. HCMF is made possible through the generous support of sponsors like The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Kaimana Beach Hotel, Luxury Row Waikīkī, Zippy’s, Masaki School of Music, Treehouse Production Hawaii, Piano Planet, and more. Their commitment to the arts helps bring world-class chamber music to the Hawaiʻi community while supporting the next generation of musicians.
Mark your calendars, enjoy the music, give a shaka, and bring your local perspective. Tickets will be available beginning April 13.
