Dane Lam begins as music director of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra this July.
“Australian Chinese maestro Dane Lam has been appointed as music director of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra,” writes Steven Mark in Wednesday’s (1/18) Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “It will be the first time since the orchestra emerged from bankruptcy 11 years ago that someone has held the position … Lam has led several orchestras in Australia, China and Europe, but made his American debut last March with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. He was subsequently asked back to open the 2022-23 season. Symphony Executive Director Dave Moss said the orchestra has been looking for a full-time music director for about two years, with nearly every guest conductor being asked to consider the position. Lam said he will conduct the majority of the orchestra’s Masterworks concert series, which feature the traditional Western European repertoire, as well as ‘taking charge’ of the HapaSymphony events, which feature local pop and Native Hawaiian musicians.… He will be making his home in Hawai‘i … officially starting [at the orchestra] in July.… Previously, the orchestra’s schedule was drawn up mostly with the help of Buffalo, N.Y.-based maestro JoAnn Falletta … Falletta will retain an emeritus position.”
