Nani Lahaina~Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra

The Invite!

In July of 2023 several composers were  invited by PARMA Recordings to write a new work for violin and orchestra to be recorded by the esteemed London Symphony Orchestra and a  brilliant violinist from Italy, Davide Alogna performing on a “1690s ‘Stephens’ Stradivari” belonging to the very first group of red  varnished Violins ever made.  The album would be a collection of new works with several contemporary composers.  There were two requirements. 1. a piece 5 minutes or less and 2. this new work would be  loosely based on the" Environment".

In early August 2023 powerful winds blew through the  island of  Maui, Hawaii, and caused power lines to fall and fires to erupt.  As the news coverage unfolded with images of the intense fires, devastation and loss of life, (over 100 people perished) ) the complete burning of the fishing/whaling village of Lahaina, I was deeply moved.

Lahaina, Maui Hawaii had a significant place in my life. As a young adult  I lived and worked in the town of Lahaina. I had recently graduated from high school and I knew I wanted to be a professional musician but needed some time for reflection. My cousin invited me to join her in Lahaina, Maui where we both worked at tourist shops in the town and shared an apartment for several months until I made the decision to return to the "mainland", attend college and major in music.  During my time in Maui I grew to love the people, heritage and the music of Hawaii. This made an indelible impression on me and as I was witnessing the winds of devastation, burning and loss in Lahaina, these past experiences and memories meant even more to me.

e experience ending with peace, compassion, and love for the people of Lahaina, Maui and in anticipation of their future, to begin again.

The Historical Story of the Winds in the  late 1880'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." From "Stories of Old Lahaina" by Inez MacPhee Ashdown, as told by Mrs Alice Kaehukai Ka'ae in the late 1800's.

In 1867, a description of Lahaina appeared 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.

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.

In anticipation of a new beginning for Lahaina, and gratitude for treasured memories, I dedicate the music to the people of Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii.

Mahalo,
Nan