Thomas Osborne

olympus

January 29, 2012

A pu’u in the back of Manoa valley that I often hike. It may not be the most spectacular hike on the island, but it never gets boring.

The University of Hawaii Contemporary Music Ensemble, a group I direct, is taking on a unique piece this Spring. Stephen Scott’s Vikings of the Sunrise is a piece written for an ensemble of 10 performers, all playing a single piano. … Continue reading →

a hike in manoa valley

September 11, 2011

Today proved to be a an ideal day to try the recently-cleared Manoa Middle trail and enjoy some quiet. A good day to avoid the television.

sun through bamboo

August 13, 2011

Taken on the Aihualama trail in Manoa valley.

korea is hot in the summer

July 21, 2011

I knew this going in. The monsoon season in Asia is always hot, humid and rainy. Fortunately, this trip had little rain, though there was plenty of heat. Still, it was a fantastic trip.

rest

July 20, 2011

The past few weeks I’ve been able to enjoy a break from teaching and composing, using the time instead to travel to the Big Island and to Korea. I take a break like this for a couple of weeks each … Continue reading →

water

May 9, 2011

I’ve always had a fascination with water. I’ve written music inspired by it, I like to spend time in it, and I live in a place surrounded by thousands of miles of it. That water can look so beautiful on … Continue reading →

molokai from the sky

April 28, 2011

Traveling to and from Hawaii can be a tiring experience. I most often find myself on the Chicago-Honolulu flight, a long nine hours in the air. After the long flight I always look forward to the sight of the islands … Continue reading →

the ends of the earth

April 23, 2011

Last night pianist Derek Kealii Polischuk premiered my new work “The Ends of the Earth” at Michigan State University (which is not at the end of the earth). It’s a demanding piece, probably the most difficult piece I’ve written. The … Continue reading →