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Classical Music Conversations

Classical Conservation Conversation: Jaws at 50, part 2

Hawaiʻi Public Radio | By Sharene Keliʻipunilei Lum Taba

Published July 20, 2025 at 5:55 PM HST

Classical Pacific - Conservation Conversation

The movie JAWS turned 50 this year. In this weekʻs Classical Conservation Conversation, Dr. Shawn Lum talks about the masterpiece that changed cinema, but also brought about the fear of sharks.

"Being exposed to the wonders of nature early can immunize us against biophobia. We can be free to embrace the living world and experience it with the joy that itʻs beauty and importance merit."

The music that we pair with Dr. Lumʻs talk: Shark Cage Fugue by John Williams from the soundtrack to Jaws, followed by another work written in 1975,

Shostakovichʻs Viola Sonata, II. Allegretto.

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Classical Music Conversations Classical Conservation Conversation shark

Sharene Keliʻipunilei Lum Taba

Sharene Keliʻipunilei Lum Taba grew up in Pearl City listening to a variety of music – mostly in the car and the choice of the driver (Grandma, Mom, Dad, sister or brother). It ranged from Hawaiian to Japanese Enka to Top 40 to HPR. Sharene played the violin in school, and is now a professional freelance harpist and mother. She and husband jazz bassist Dean Taba love to play and listen to music, and are raising their children to celebrate the love of learning and of all kinds of music.

See stories by Sharene Keliʻipunilei Lum Taba

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Classical Conservation Conversation: Jaws at 50, part 1

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The movie "JAWS" directed by Steven Spielberg with soundtrack by John Williams was released 50 years ago. In this episode of HPRʻs Classical Conservation Conversation, Dr. Shawn Lum talks about the effects of the movie on the shark population, "There was an increase in shark hunting and tournaments in the wake of the movieʻs release...." Dr. Lum reminds us that Sharks are important to the people of the Pacific, and we can help be their voice.We pair todayʻs talk with some of the music that inspired John Williamsʻ soundtrack- Debussyʻs "La Mer: II. Play of the Waves"
Classical Music Conversations

Classical Conservation Conversation: Mangroves - a conservation conundrum, part 2

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"The first natural forest type you see driving into town from the airport on Nimitz Highway doesnʻt grow on solid ground, but along the banks of the Kapālama Canal. The mangroves have welcomed you to Honolulu!" In this episode of Classical Conservation Conversation, Dr. Lum discusses mangroves, and the decision to plant them to treat erosion. "Biodiversity like mangroves... a conservation conundrum."Dr. Lumʻs conversation concludes with Scott Leeʻs "Through the Mangrove Tunnels: Floating Away," the composerʻs memories of "wandering the swamps and bayous of Florida," with chamber jazz string quartet, piano and percussion.Follow Dr. Shawn Lum on Instagram at @skylum.nature.