Orchestra stars take on Brahms’ ‘flight of fancy’

It’s always good when local musicians get their chance to shine, and this weekend’s Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra performances provide that opportunity with Brahms’ Violin and Cello Concerto in A minor.

Symphony concertmaster Iggy Jang, at right, and principal cellist Mark Votapek, pictured inset, get the solos in this work, Brahms’ last major orchestral piece. Brahms wrote it in part as a measure of reconciliation for an estranged friend, violinist Joseph Joachim, and described it as “a strange flight of fancy.” The virtuosic work is not performed frequently because it’sdifficult to get two high-caliber soloists together on the same program to play it.

Returning to the podium is guest conductor Xian Zhang, a native of China who has conducted at some of the great halls in Europe and the U.S. She currently conducts one of the BBC orchestras (and is the first woman to hold such a position) as well as an orchestra in New Jersey. Her sweeping, graceful gestures made for a particularly enjoyable performance of Tchaikovsky two years ago, and she’s returning with more Tchaikovsky: the dynamic Suite from “Sleeping Beauty” and his “Marche Slave,”inspired by Russian and Serb folk themes. — Steven Mark

>> Where: Blaisdell Concert Hall. When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $34-$92. Info: ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

Sedaris back in town with new stories, book

The often cutting, off-kilter humorist David Sedaris returns to Honolulu’s Blaisdell Center on Wednesday. He’ll bring some new stories, providing a preview of his latest book, “Theft by Finding,” a collection of his diaries which is scheduled for release June 6.

Sedaris burst onto the scene in 1992 after National Public Radio broadcast his essay about working in a Santa display, “Santaland Diaries.” His wounded wit captured the imagination of audiences, and on the strength of his ability to cut through our cultural haze and into the heart of American habits and practices, Sedaris has become a best-selling author and Grammy-nominated recording artist.

For his Honolulu appearance, Sedaris also plans an audience Q&A.

>> Where: Blaisdell Concert Hall. When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Cost: $47-$67. Info: ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

Tuskegee Airmen will speak on Ford Island

He fought racism at home so that he could fight America’s enemies abroad. Col. Charles McGee, a decorated member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, will recall his experiences as one of American’s first African-American fighter pilots when he appears for a “Hangar Talk” on Saturday at the Pacific Aviation Museum, in observance of African American History Month.

McGee’s career began in 1942 when he enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the Tuskegee Army Airfield near Tuskegee, Ala. McGee earned his pilots’ wings in 1943 and eventually deployed to Europe with the 332nd Fighter Group. He remained in the service when the war ended and continued to serve through America’s wars in Korea and Vietnam for a total of 30 years. He flew 409 combat missions — the most flown by any Air Force pilot — and was awarded a Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and Air Medal.

The racially segregated units known collectively as the Tuskegee Airmen were formed in 1941 in response to political pressure to integrate the armed forces and to show that “colored” men also had the right stuff to serve as combat pilots, air crew and ground support staff in the Army Air Corps. The volunteers who stepped forward fought entrenched racism within the segregated military and within much of American society as well. Their success as racial pioneers at home and in combat over Europe shattered stereotypes and helped pave the way for the full integration of the U.S. military by President Harry Truman in 1948. — John Berger

>> Where: Pacific Aviation Museum. When: 11 a.m.-noon, Saturday. Cost: Museum members, and military are free, $10 for the Hanger Talk. Info: pacificaviationmuseum.org or 808-441-1000.

Drummer and vocalist will perform in a benefit

World music artist Glen Velez, a four-time Grammy winner whose masterful performances on hand-held, single-headed frame drums have been termed “explosive” and “exuberant” by The New York Times, appears Thursday at Honolulu Myohoji with vocalist Loire Cotler for a concert and workshop to benefit music therapy services in Hawaii.

Velez incorporates virtuosic drum technique with split-tone singing, also known as throat singing or harmonic singing, as originated in Central Asia. Cotler is known for her percussive vocal technique. The concert promises to engage audiences with global rhythms from six continents and an interactive experience, exploring the power of the voice and symphonic capabilities of a single drum.

Only 50 tickets are available for this performance.

>> Where: Honolulu Myohoji, 2003 Nuuanu Ave. When: 4:30 p.m. Thursday; meet the artists at 4 p.m. Cost: $25. Info: soundingjoymt.org or 593-2620