On Thursday, February 16^th at 7 p.m., Hawaii Public Radio proudly presents the Karrin Allyson Jazz Duo featuring vocalist Karrin Allyson and guitarist Rod Fleeman at the Fairmont Orchid, on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island. Tickets are $40 for members, $50 for non-members, and are available by calling the station during business hours at 955-8821.  

            On Sunday, February 19^th at 4 pm in Studio 909, Hawaii Public Radio and Chamber Music Hawaii present Romance and Strings featuring vocalist Karrin Allyson and the Galliard String Quartet, conducted by Bill McGlaughlin. This special concert will feature romantic songs arranged for strings and voice by Bill McGlaughlin. The one-night-only performance is a first time collaboration between Karrin Allyson, Bill McGlaughlin and the Galliard String Quartet. The Grammy-nominated Concord recording artist Allyson has performed with symphony orchestras around the country, including the Carnegie Hall concert series at Zankel Hall. Tickets are $50 and are available only to Hawaii Public Radio and Chamber Music Hawaii members. To purchase tickets or for more information, please call Hawaii Public Radio at 955-8821 during regular office hours. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.chambermusichawaii.org  (Studio 909 is located at 909 Kapiolani Blvd (across Kapiolani Blvd. from the Blaisdell Arena). 

As a frequent visitor to Hawaii, Karrin Allyson enjoys an established following amongst jazz enthusiasts here in the islands. The Grammy-nominated Concord recording artist has performed in jazz venues throughout the world, as well as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. She has been a popular and welcomed guest of Garrison Keillor on A Prairie Home Companion on several occasions. Karrin Allyson’s latest album, ‘Round Midnight, is nominated for a Grammy for the Best Jazz Vocal Album of 2011. 

Musician and Conductor Bill McGlaughlin is no stranger to public radio listeners. His programs Exploring Music and Saint Paul Sunday are popular and highly regarded staples of KHPR programming. Whether he's chatting with one of the great string quartets, hosting an intermission at the Met or seated at the piano with a Beethoven score, Mr. McGlaughlin guides us to the heart of music-making. Audience members will enjoy his charm and insight as a key element of this event.

The Galliard String Quartet, considered Hawaii’s premier string quartet, features Claire Sakai Hazzard,  violin; Hung Wu, violin; Mark Butin, viola; and Joanna Morrison, cello.
           
Born and raised in Honolulu, Claire Sakai Hazzard joined the Honolulu Symphony in 1975 and became Associate Concertmaster in 1987. She was a member of the Hawaii Youth Symphony for five years and served as concertmaster during her senior year, and spent several years as a violinist with the Don Ho Show. A founding member of the Galliard String Quartet, Claire was also second violinist with the University of Hawaii faculty string quartet and has participated in the Grand Teton, Peter Britt, Rome, Kapalua, and Maui Chamber Music Festivals. Apart from private teaching, she has also been a chamber music coach at various private schools and local music associations including the Hawaii Youth Symphony.
           
Hung Wu began violin studies at the age of 5 in his native country of Taiwan. A mere 5 years later he appeared as soloist with the Taipei Symphony on a television broadcast. During the course of his music studies in Taiwan, he has won the first prize for the national string quartet competition. At the age of 17, he directed a chorus and a chamber string orchestra; both took the first prize in the national competition. Hung Wu became the 2nd violin Principal of Honolulu Symphony in 1993.  
           
Mark Butin, received his B.M. and M.M. from Northwestern University, where he studied with Peter Slowik. He has been a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the New World Symphony, and was Principal Violist of the Honolulu Symphony. Mark is also an avid surfer and commercial pilot.
           
Joanna Morrison began her study of cello at the age of three. She was principal cellist of the Indian Hill Symphony and a member of the Boston Modern Orchestra Project. A member of the Indian Hill Chamber Players, Joanna recently performed the Schubert Cello Quintet with members of the Boston Symphony. She was awarded fellowships to UBS Verbier Festival Orchestra, Aspen Music Festival, National Orchestral Institute, AIMS in Graz, International Festival Institute at Round Top, Blossom Music Festival and the Cascade Music Festival. Joanna was a member of the Honolulu Symphony in the 2007-08 season.