Get ready! Pacific Music Institute’s summer concert series returns this July with performances that span chamber music, jazz, ‘ukulele, and symphonic repertoire. Our students and faculty are preparing something special for you, so mark your calendars for July 10-12, 2026. You won’t want to miss it!
Faculty Chamber Music Concert
Friday, July 10, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Seto Hall at ‘Iolani School | $25
The concert series opens with a PMI favorite: the Faculty Chamber Music Concert! This performance brings together our remarkable faculty (world-class musicians from Hawaiʻi and beyond!) in chamber ensembles that showcase their artistry and joy of making music together.
PMI Jazz Co-Director Steve Treseler captures what makes this event so meaningful: “The faculty concert is great because our faculty are all renowned musicians and you can really hear what they have to offer. A lot of times students are working with great teachers and sometimes don’t have the opportunity to hear them perform. So you can see the connections your faculty have with the music and that can be inspiring.”
What makes this concert unforgettable? It’s the rare opportunity to watch these master educators step off the podium and into intimate musical conversations with their colleagues. While you’ll find traditional combinations like string quartets, you should also expect the unexpected. Our faculty love creating surprising ensemble pairings that highlight their versatility across genres and styles!
To give you a taste of what’s in store, last year’s program featured everything from Beethoven’s “Razumovsky” String Quartet to jazz standards from The Greatest Showman, from William Grant Still’s Danzas de Panama to a spontaneous group improvisation that closed the show.
From classical masterworks to jazz medleys, from solo performances to full ensemble pieces, this concert demonstrates the breadth of talent that makes PMI’s faculty so exceptional. And the intimate atmosphere of Seto Hall? It puts you right in the musical conversation.
Fair warning: This concert sells out every year…and for good reason! Secure your seats early and experience chamber music at its finest.
String Quartet Concert
Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 11:00 AM | Seto Hall at ‘Iolani School | $12
Saturday morning brings one of PMI’s most beloved traditions: the String Quartet Concert. After a week of intensive coaching and rehearsals, our students share their hard work through captivating chamber music performances that showcase both technical ability and musicality.
This year’s program promises the same rich variety that has made this concert a highlight year after year. Last summer, audiences heard everything from Baroque (Telemann’s Concerto for 4 Violins) to Classical masters (Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven) to Romantic gems (Mendelssohn, Dvořák, Glazunov) to contemporary works (Rhiannon Giddens’ “At the Purchaser’s Option,” Florence Price’s String Quartet No. 2 “Juba,” and Villa-Lobos).
One PMI 2025 student captured the magic perfectly: “The highlight of PMI for me was the performance. It was fun and exciting and it showcased everyone’s hard work throughout the week.”
This concert is where all the intensive coaching, sectionals, and practice hours come together, and where you’ll witness the incredible musical growth that happens in just nine days at PMI!
‘Ukulele Workshop; Winds, Brass, and Percussion Chamber Ensembles Concert
Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 2:00 PM | Seto Hall at ‘Iolani School | $12
Saturday afternoon delivers a dynamic double feature showcasing two distinct sides of PMI’s musical programs.
The concert opens with our newly revamped ‘Ukulele Workshop, led this year by ‘ukulele virtuoso Abe Lagrimas Jr. 2026 marks an exciting evolution for the program, now designed for intermediate to advanced level students ready to take their playing to the next level. Get ready to hear what happens when skilled young musicians dive deep into ‘ukulele technique with an incredible instructor!
The afternoon continues with our Winds, Brass, and Percussion Chamber Ensembles: small groups that let students explore the unique colors and possibilities of their instruments. Last year’s program took audiences on a journey from the whimsy of Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service to the grandeur of Holst’s Jupiter, from Hawaiian classics to contemporary pop arrangements. Bassoons performed Charles Ives’ “The Circus Band,” trumpets tackled the massive sound of “Jupiter from The Planets,” saxophones swung through “American Patrol,” and horns brought Disney magic with “Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride.”
One PMI 2025 student captured the joy of these performances: “The workshop concert was so fun because I got to play in a small group and I loved the song we played.”
This concert highlights the incredible range of musical styles at PMI, from traditional Hawaiian music to classical masterworks to beloved film scores. If you have a young musician in your family, this concert will entertain and inspire!
Jazz Intensive Concert
Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Seto Hall at ‘Iolani School | $12
Sunday morning swings into action with our Jazz Intensive Concert!
This year, the stage belongs entirely to our jazz students, who’ll showcase everything they’ve learned about improvisation, collaboration, and musical risk-taking throughout the intensive week. From the moment the first notes hit, you’ll feel the energy that makes live jazz so thrilling…spontaneous solos, tight ensemble work, and that unmistakable groove.
Last year’s program demonstrated the breadth of our jazz curriculum: Sonny Rollins’ classic “St. Thomas,” contemporary composer Bria Skonberg’s “So Is The Day,” Ferde Grofé’s “On the Trail,” and the spiritual depth of Alice Coltrane’s “Ptah, The El Daoud.” Our students explore everything from bebop to fusion, traditional standards to cutting-edge modern jazz.
Come hear what happens when talented young musicians learn to improvise, listen deeply, and trust their musical instincts!
Freestyle String Ensemble; String Orchestra Concert
Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 1:30 PM | Seto Hall at ‘Iolani School | $12
Sunday afternoon presents a fun contrast with the Freestyle String Ensemble and String Orchestra Concert. These two ensembles present two very different approaches to string playing, and both are equally captivating!
First, the Freestyle String Ensemble takes the stage with their signature approach: no sheet music, all listening. Under Duane Padilla’s direction, these students have spent the week learning everything by ear, from bluegrass fiddle tunes to contemporary pop hits. But here’s what makes Freestyle truly unique: every student learns every part! Melody, bass line, rhythm, harmony…they know it all. Then at the concert, they make musical decisions in the moment, listening to what’s needed and jumping in. Expect improvised solos, spontaneous arrangements, and the kind of musical risk-taking that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats.
Following that energy, the String Orchestra offers the power and beauty of classical repertoire performed by a full ensemble. These students have worked on intonation, blend, and the musicianship required to create a unified orchestral sound. String Orchestra demonstrates the depth and richness that comes from a week of focused rehearsal and coaching.
Two ensembles, two philosophies, one afternoon of incredible string playing!
Wind Ensemble; Middle School All-State Band Concert
Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 3:00 PM | Blaisdell Concert Hall | $12
Sunday afternoon continues with our Middle School All-State Band & Wind Ensemble Concert, a celebration of winds, brass, and percussion at every level!
The concert opens with our Middle School All-State Band! These young musicians have worked incredibly hard throughout the week, and their growth shows in every performance. Last year’s program featured everything from the bold fanfare of Mekel Rogers’ “Destiny Fanfare” to the Star Wars fun of John Williams’ “Cantina Band,” from the beautiful traditional melody “The Water is Wide” to the Broadway power of “Defying Gravity.” The variety keeps the energy high and showcases what these dedicated middle schoolers can achieve in just one intensive week.
Following the Middle School All-State Band, the Wind Ensemble takes the stage with repertoire that showcases the full power and color of a large wind band. Last year’s program demonstrated the range these students tackle: from the intricate rhythms of Robert Sheldon’s “Choreography” to the beautiful melody of “A Jasmine Tree” by Kevin Charoensri, from the spirited “March Chagu Chagu” by Satoshi Yagisawa to the soaring themes from How to Train Your Dragon. The concert closed with John Mackey’s “Let Me Be Frank With You”—a piece that clearly resonated with students. As one performer shared: “The concert felt great to perform in and I really enjoyed our last piece: Let me be frank with you.”
Two ensembles, one fantastic afternoon of wind band music!
HSO x PMI Side-by-Side Concert
Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Blaisdell Concert Hall | Free, unticketed
The PMI 2026 concert series culminates with an unforgettable performance at the Blaisdell Concert Hall: our Side-by-Side Concert with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra!
Now in its second year, this extraordinary collaboration brings PMI students together with professional musicians from HSO on the same stage. While the Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony has a rich tradition of side-by-side performances with HSO during the school year, PMI remains one of the only summer music programs in the country to offer this special experience, bringing together local professionals and students from around the world for a truly unique performance.
A Special Spotlight: Nā Hōkū ʻŌpio Competition Winners
This year’s concert will feature an extra-special highlight: three winners of the 2026 Nā Hōkū ʻŌpio “Young Stars competition will perform as soloists with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra!
Congratulations to:
- Ian Jun (cello)
- Kolleen Roessig (composer—the first to win in this category!)
This annual competition, hosted by the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, showcases exceptional high school students (grades 10-12) who are full-time residents of Hawaiʻi. We’re incredibly proud that all three winners are also HYS students, and are grateful that HSO continues to champion the remarkable young talent we have here in Hawaiʻi.
Leading This Historic Collaboration
The concert will be led by three distinguished conductors:
Dane Lam, Music Director of the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, brings his international experience to this performance. Born in Brisbane, Australia, Lam’s musical journey has taken him from the University of Queensland to The Juilliard School and the Royal Northern College of Music. A protégé of the late Kurt Masur, Lam has conducted prestigious orchestras worldwide and was instrumental in leading Australia’s orchestral revival after the COVID-19 lockdown.
Joseph Stepec, Artistic Director of the Pacific Music Institute, is an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Hawaiʻi and serves as Director of Orchestral Activities and Youth Symphony I Conductor of the Hawaiʻi Youth Symphony. His passionate commitment to arts education has shaped countless students, and his close relationship with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra makes him a frequent guest artist in their ʻOhana and Keiki Concert Series.
Richard Scerbo, boasts a career that spans conducting, teaching and arts leadership, and has been a thought leader in the world of orchestras for nearly two decades. He is the newly appointed music director of the Columbia Orchestra, artistic director and conductor of Inscape Chamber Orchestra, and artistic Director of Jackson Hole Chamber Music. At the University of Maryland’s Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, he enjoys dual roles as co-director of artistic programming and director of the National Orchestral Institute + Festival, through which he collaborates with us at Pacific Music Institute.
Why This Matters
This side-by-side experience embodies the core values of both organizations. It gives students invaluable insights into professional music-making, offering them the extraordinary opportunity to perform in a professional setting with guidance from accomplished mentors. From arriving on time to sight-reading challenging music, students experience professionalism in a truly supportive environment.
Save the Date: 📅 Sunday, July 12, 2026 • 7:30PM
📍 Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall
🎟️ Free entry with RSVP
Don’t miss this celebration of mentorship, collaboration, and Hawaiʻi’s incredible musical talent!
Affordable Access to World-Class Performances
We’re passionate about making these exceptional concerts accessible to all music lovers! Individual tickets for the Faculty Chamber Music Concert are just $25. All other concerts at Seto Hall are $12 each. And for those who want to soak up all the music, we’re offering an All-Access Pass for just $35 – that gets you into every concert throughout the week! All-Access Passes are available on our website and individual concert tickets will be offered at the door.
The grand finale, the HSO x PMI Side-by-Side Concert at Blaisdell Concert Hall, is absolutely free and unticketed, making this historic performance available for the entire community to enjoy!
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary week of music that celebrates both established artists and our incredible emerging talents. Join us at PMI 2026 for performances that will inspire, move, and connect us all through music! We can’t wait to see you there!