James Setapen

"The orchestra, joined by a 200-voice choir and four soloists made joyous music, leading to an immediate, sustained and passionate standing ovation."

"The Mendelssohn benefited from a dramatically charged performance under guest conductor James Setapen. The orchestra has seldom sounded better than it did in this musical journey... The orchestra caught fire, playing with a fine frenzy and a big, full sound... At the end the orchestra joined the audience in a generous ovation for the conductor. A welcome guest."

"Setapen's Debussy [La Mer] had an undeniable power and vitality - conductorial authority."

"The orchestra played as one person - projecting confidence and mastery of the music... Setapen is in command from the first note. Under his leadership, the orchestra gave its best performance of the season."

"Setapen led with commanding force, sweeping his forces passionately before him."

"The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra is firmly back on track thanks to the lucid and insightful leadership of guest conductor James Setapen... Precision, spirit, musicianship - they were all there last night."

"Conductor James Setapen did a masterful job coordinating the talents of his orchestra and the singers."

"The orchestra's mastery of Elgar's Enigma Variations was unbelievably disciplined."

"Setapen said the piece [Pastorale Symphony] is one of his favorite Beethoven compositions. His feelings came through in emotional conducting that brought out the best in the orchestra."