Breaking the Ice: Mana Music Explores New Frontiers with First-Ever Glacier Cave Cello Performance
At Mana Music Hawaii, we don’t just play weddings—we create unforgettable moments through sound. While our passion lies in curating live music for some of Hawai‘i’s most luxurious weddings, we are equally committed to artistic innovation and boundary-pushing experiences that redefine what it means to perform.
One such project has taken us far beyond the sun-kissed shores of the Islands—into the icy heart of Alaska.
🎥 Watch the Premiere: Bach in Ice
First-Ever Live Cello Performance in a Glacier Cave
👉 Click to Watch on YouTube
🌍 A Fusion of Art, Adventure, and the Natural World
In a moment that bridges artistry and the raw beauty of nature, Joshua Nakazawa performed the Prelude from Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 deep inside a glacier cave, surrounded by crystal walls, flowing water, and sculpted ceilings formed over centuries.
What made this feat possible? A revolutionary flax fiber cello, handcrafted by Belgian luthier Tim Duerinck—the first of its kind to survive and resonate in such extreme conditions.
The result was breathtaking:
Every note echoed through an ancient cathedral of ice
A whispering glacial stream became part of the soundscape
The cold air gave each phrase a shimmer, shaping the music as if the glacier itself were playing along
This wasn't just a performance—it was a communion. In this frozen cathedral, Bach’s music wasn’t just played. It was reborn.
🎻 The Instrument That Made It Possible
The flax fiber cello used in this performance is no ordinary instrument. Designed with natural materials and sealed to withstand both Hawai‘i’s humidity and the icy chill of the Arctic, it is a symbol of resilience and environmental harmony.
Tim Duerinck and Joshua Nakazawa co-designed this cello to celebrate Hawaiian culture. It features:
Gold leaf inlays of a Hawaiian fish, a Honu (sea turtle), and a coral reef
A body that honors coral as the origin of all life in the Hawaiian creation story
Engineering that withstands heat, cold, and moisture without compromising acoustics
As an environmental ambassador for the Coral Reef Alliance, it was important to me that the instrument not only functioned in diverse environments, but stood for something greater: a commitment to conservation, culture, and creativity.
🌊 Bridging Two Ocean-Connected Worlds
While this performance took place in Alaska, its heart beats with Hawaiian rhythm. Just as coral reefs and glaciers both reflect the delicate balance of the planet’s ecosystems, this project unites them—through music.
From the tropics to the tundra, this cello represents a bridge between two fragile, beautiful, and interconnected worlds. And in both places, it sings.
🌱 Rewilding Music: Why This Matters
There is a powerful shift happening in the arts: away from traditional concert halls and toward nature-infused spaces. By stepping out of the confines of the stage and into wild environments, musicians are discovering something timeless and primal—a sound shaped not by reverb units or pristine studios, but by the Earth itself.
This performance is part of a growing movement we’re proud to lead: rewilding music.
Whether we're performing on the beaches of Lanikūhonua or in the icy echo chambers of a glacier, Mana Music believes in creating experiences that resonate deeply—with the land, with the audience, and with the soul.
🎼 Want to Hear the Difference?
Curious how the flax fiber cello compares to traditional wooden instruments?
I created a side-by-side video comparison that explores the tonal differences and performance capabilities:
🎻 Want One for Yourself?
If you’re a cellist ready to take your music on the road—or into the wild—this instrument is for you. You can now pre-order your own flax fiber cello, handcrafted by Tim Duerinck and built to explore new frontiers:
These instruments are not only durable and visually stunning—they’re climate-resilient and crafted for exploration.
🌟 The Creative Team
Joshua Nakazawa, cello
Co-Directed and Filmed by: Carlin Ma
Co-Directed by: Sam Paris
Audio Recorded Live by: Eric Silberger
Follow our journey:
📸 @manamusichawaii
🎯 Final Note: Mana Music Explorations
This glacier performance marks only the beginning. At Mana Music, we are not only elevating weddings across Hawai‘i with exceptional live music—we’re also exploring what’s possible when art, adventure, and environmental consciousness come together.
We invite you to join us in this journey. Whether you're planning a wedding on the beaches of Maui or dreaming of performing on a mountaintop, know this:
The world is our stage—and every note has the power to move mountains.
📩 Connect With Us
Looking for award-winning musicians for your wedding or private event in Hawai‘i?
Visit Mana Music Hawaii to explore our services or book a consultation.
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