The Hawaii Symphony called recently, asking for a donation. I declined. Last year, we gave them over $1,300 due to concert cancellations. We have given them enough, so no more donations to the Symphony. We also have decided not to subscribe to the season, as it is just too expensive.
On the other hand, we did purchase $54 tickets to the Joshua Bell concert, scheduled for January 2 at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. He is a world-famous violinist, who will play a violin concerto as well as accompany his wife, who is a soprano. This concert will be fabulous, and we simply cannot pass it up. If you think $54 tickets are expensive, then you will be shocked to know that the top tickets are selling for $280 each!
These are photos of Joshua Bell and his wife, Larisa Martinez, taken from my TV:


In addition to those tickets, we also purchased $35 tickets to Lisa Matsumoto’s local-style musical, “Once Upon One Time.” It is scheduled for July 10 at Kaimuki High School. This musical is based on a string of fairy tales such as “Cinderella,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” etc. There will be local humor that only island people will understand, and, of course, there will be pidgin English that only island people will understand. This musical will be fun!
We enjoy the performing arts. But, purchasing single tickets is the only way for us. Subscribing to the whole season is not going to happen, because it is too expensive. Pick and choose is the way to go.
December 1, 2021 at 12:19 am |
Single tickets is the way to go. It is a lot cheaper and safer. This Omicron variant could result in lockdowns and concert cancellations. We lost once and we hope not to lose again.
December 1, 2021 at 12:23 am |
Single tickets is the way to go. With this Omicron variant lurking the future of concerts being cancelled is a real possibility. We do not want to be stuck again.
December 1, 2021 at 12:28 am |
Single tickets are really a better way to go. This way you can choose your favourites. Subscriptions are very expensive here, too. Valerie
December 1, 2021 at 1:26 am |
…we recently received a mailing from them.
December 1, 2021 at 3:05 am |
I think you are right. Buying single tickets for things you truly want to see. 🙂
December 1, 2021 at 4:05 am |
I’m not getting season tickets to things either. Too risky. But you will love the Bell concert! (Especially as a violinist) Here’s a bit of trivia for you — back in (probably) the 1970s, the TV station I worked for did a televised recital with Joshua Bell. I don’t know how old he was but he looked like a teenager! Much of the video from that era was destroyed in a station fire and only still photos remain. But it’s fun to think that a producer from WKAR helped bring this “kid’s” music to attention before the numerous accolades of later years!
December 1, 2021 at 4:35 am |
Agree on the wisdom of the single tickets. Seeing what you really want to makes perfect sense. Looking forward to your critique of the shows.
December 1, 2021 at 4:45 am |
Good decision as you get to see just the performances you enjoy.
XO
WWW
December 1, 2021 at 6:09 am |
A $54 ticket for world class musicians is certainly not expensive. I am astounded at what sports fans pay to watch a grown man hit a ball with a stick!
December 1, 2021 at 6:48 am |
so much solicitation for donations lately.
December 1, 2021 at 7:04 am |
I think you have chosen a way which will work wonderfully well for you.
December 1, 2021 at 8:19 am |
I stopped getting season tickets for the opera too. It sounds like you have done your fair share on supporting the arts. The concerts you mentioned sound wonderful.
December 1, 2021 at 9:06 am |
Back in the early 2000s, a woman who lived below me (in my old apartment building) talked me into buying season tickets with her for the Benedum (a theater in Pittsburgh for Broadway shows). We saw 2 great shows, Miss Saigon & Oklahoma, then Sue decided it wasn’t for her and sold hers to one of her coworkers, a gay man named John and okay I’m not going to get into it here but never again with season tickets. Good for you, Gigi & David–your upcoming shows sound great! :^)
December 1, 2021 at 9:09 am |
Hilarious!
December 1, 2021 at 1:15 pm |
Here the symphony offers special pricing for the disabled.
December 1, 2021 at 8:11 pm |
I think this is a balanced way and I wish you loads of joy and fun at the concerts!
December 1, 2021 at 11:25 pm |
Wise decision. Hope you enjoy the concert.
December 2, 2021 at 4:12 am |
I think you’re right. Even singles are not inexpensive.