ao kuewa — symphony orchestra (2021)
Commissioned by University of Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i Forest Institute as part of the Symphony of the Hawai‘i Forests Project with the generous support of the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. duration 5’ — Instrumentation: 1111, 2000, 3perc, strings
ao kuewa tells the story of renewal after destruction, and the importance of taking care of the land.
The piece was originally conceived as part of the Symphony of the Hawai‘i Forests, a multidisciplinary project that aims to educate elementary and secondary students about Hawai‘i’s Forests and the importance of mālama ‘āina.
ao kuewa translates roughly as "the realm of the homeless spirits." Traditionally, it was thought that certain trees were homes for spirits. Deforestation therefore also creates a crisis for these spirits. Only through the dedication of restoring the land do the spirits find renewal.
The melody is adapted from an electronic work by Gahlord Dewald created using the monome norns.
Still from the animation by Chelsea Cannon for Symphony of the Hawaiʻi Forests
Past Performances
Thursday, February 15, 2024 — Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, ao kuewa as part of the Symphony of Hawaiʻi Forests, Hawaiʻi Convention Center, Honolulu, HI
Friday, April 21, 2023 — Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra performs the Pacific Premiere of ao kuewa as part of the Symphony of Hawaiʻi Forests at the Hawai‘i Theatre Center, Honolulu, HI
Thursday, April 20, 2023 — Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra performs the Pacific Premiere of ao kuewa as part of the Symphony of Hawaiʻi Forests at the Hawai‘i Theatre Center, Honolulu, HI
Sunday, April 2, 2023 — Raleigh Civic Chamber Orchestra, Peter Askim, Conductor, performs the World Premiere of ao kuewa on Rituals and Renewals, Stewart Theatre, Raleigh, NC