A new recording coming 1/10/2025~ Stradivarius violin, London Symphony Orchestra with violinist, David Alogna
Happy New Year 2025!.. (well almost)
I am completely ecstatic to share with you my newest orchestral work, Nani Lahaina~Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra on the album, Symphonic Stradivarius, (yes, the Strad. violin) with 11 composers from around the globe. We recorded this new album in London with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Miran Vaupotić with renowned violinist David Alogna from Italy performing on a 17th century “red” Stradivarius violin. The experience was extraordinary, breathtaking and I am so grateful to have had this amazing experience. Read about the recording session from June 6, 2024 in London Here
Pre Order your listening links and you will be notified on the release date on your favorite digital platforms, Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Deezer, Tidal. Actual, physical CD’s will be available to purchase via my website. Stay tuned!
The Story
Nani Lahaina~ Beautiful Lahaina ~ Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra
The winds and fire of the historical town, Lahaina, Maui (August 2023)
The Kaua’ula winds of Maui, Hawaii have been made famous in mele (songs) because of their powerful forces. It is through several historical descriptions of these powerful winds, my heartfelt loss for the people of Lahaina and my own early life experience of living and working for several months in Lahaina, that inspired me to compose Nani Lahaina, Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra.
“Stories of Old Lahaina”
by Inez MacPhee Ashdown,
as told by Mrs Alice Kaehukai Ka’ae in the late 1800’s.
“In the days of my mother’s youth, there were terrible winds which used to come from the Kauaula Valley. They would blow away all the hale pili
(grass houses), and tear down the trees. So, the people prayed and a sign was given as a warning to them. This sign was a loud whistling which would be heard about three days before the great wind would start.”
In 1867, a description of Lahaina appears in the newspaper Ke Au Okoa by a C & K of Lahaina. “Lahaina is a land of very strong winds. At times, it is a place of terribly destructive winds, but this is not a regular occurrence. This is a wind that does not blow all the time. It just blew once a year. The wind begins blowing and for three or four days it roars in the uplands, and then exits seaward. The roaring is heard from above like the crashing of the sea against the base of a cliff.
In hopes of a new beginning for Lahaina, I dedicate this music to the people of Lahaina, Maui.
Thank you for the beautiful memories,
Mahalo. Nan
Nan Avant a PARMA Recording artist, Navona Records London Symphony Orchestra
Miran Vaupotić conductor
Davide Alogna violin
Recorded at the historic LSO St. Lukes, this repertoire offers musical insight into the environmental aspects of our world, all united by a world class ensemble, celebrated soloist, and an instrument that has been passed down through centuries of lauded performers: a “1690s ‘Stevens’ Stradivari” belonging to the very first group of red varnished Violins ever made.
“At the heart of this release is the 1690s “Stevens” Stradivari, one of the first red-varnished violins ever crafted, likely commissioned by the Medici court. A remarkable example of Antonio Stradivari’s innovative craftsmanship, this long-pattern violin combines elements of earlier designs with new techniques that defined his legacy. Celebrated for its exceptional sound quality, the violin has been entrusted to some of the most gifted players through the Florian Leonhard Fellowship, including Nancy Zhou, whose performance on this instrument earned her the top prize at the Izaak Stern International Violin Competition in Shanghai. With SYMPHONIC STRADIVARIUS, this legendary instrument once again takes center stage, uniting centuries of musical tradition with the vibrancy of modern artistry.” press release by PARMA
