classical pacific

Composer and musician Bryan Jordan visits Classical Pacific with his baltic psaltery and a crystal singing bowl. His monthly Crystal Singing Bowl Sound Journey is a 75 minute sound bath, providing an immersive music and sound healing experience. Learn more.

In honor of Presidents’ Day, Dr. Lum discusses the historical significance of U.S. presidents establishing national parks and protected areas. The conversation is followed by Jherek Bischoff's "So Fragile, So Blue" with William Shatner and the National Symphony Orchestra.

Ahead of the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra's final Beethoven Festival concert, Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, the artistic director of the Oʻahu Choral Society Joshua Habermann visits Classical Pacific.

In this episode, Dr. Lum discusses the recognition of legal personhood for non-human entities, highlighting the Whanganui River's status in Aotearoa as a legal person under the Te Awa Tupua Act. He delves into the need for broader policy changes beyond legal recognition to protect nature, noting that local communities, particularly indigenous peoples, have the emotional and practical knowledge to manage nature effectively, aligning with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s vision of equal rights.

Roosevelt High School senior Hunter Young is a bass clarinetist who recently earned a spot in the Oʻahu Band Directors' High School Select Band. After one of the Select Band's after-school rehearsals, we spoke with Young about his journey in band, the audition process to play in the Select Band, and the teachers who supported him along the way.

Classical Conservation Conversation with Dr. Shawn Lum began in April 2024 as a way to celebrate Earth Day. Eight months later, Dr. Lum talks about his weekly research in finding news on nature and conservation and how it relates to the culture and the people of the Pacific.

As we head into the new year, Dr. Shawn Lum encourages us to take the time to remember the people, places and events that shaped the past year. Reflecting on the state of nature in 2024, he acknowledges a significant decline in global wildlife populations but highlights a study that offers hope. The study shows that conservation efforts—such as controlling invasive species, restoring habitats and practicing sustainable management—are working.

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Lum offers gift ideas to share with nature lovers this holiday season. Not only do these gift ideas bring delight, but many also support vital conservation efforts. This festive season, your loved ones can receive gifts with profound and magical returns and make a positive impact on the environment.

With Christmas fast approaching, many are embracing holiday traditions filled with revelry, retail and, for some, religion. Christians and non-Christians know the story of the birth of Jesus, where a star guides the wise men to Bethlehem. Upon arrival, they present the newborn with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. In this classical conservation conversation, Dr. Shawn Lum discusses the origins, production and significance of frankincense and myrrh

Dr. Shawn Lum discusses holly and its significance with the winter holidays. He explores holly’s history and its transition into Christian traditions, where its leaves symbolize the crown of thorns. He also shares about Hawaiian holly, kāwaʻu, found on the slopes of Haleakalā and at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.