Michael-Thomas Foumai is a composer, pianist, and educator whose work bridges contemporary orchestral music with a clear understanding of instrumental color and technique. He serves as Director of Artistic Engagement and is the first Composer in Residence for the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, bringing new music to audiences across the Pacific and beyond.

Foumai’s Concerto Grosso, composed in 2015 for the Kaplan Fellows at the Bowdoin International Music Festival, is written for a chamber ensemble. The work explores the interplay between instrumental groups, creating moments of dialogue and contrast between strings, winds, and brass. While the term “concerto grosso” comes from the Baroque period, Foumai’s composition reinterprets the form using contemporary harmonies and rhythmic flexibility, allowing each section—and each musician—to stand out while contributing to the overall texture.

In addition to his work as a composer, Foumai is recognized for his performances as a pianist and for his outreach in the community, connecting audiences with new orchestral music in meaningful ways. For Roots & Resonance, the LCSO performs this piece to highlight the chamber orchestra’s precision, clarity, and the unique voice of each musician.

Tickets & Info: https://lcso.short.gy/may-lcso-2026