Even though it was storming outside, the Kaua‘i Chorale warmed up audience members during a Dec. 10 concert at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center. Seventy-two voices strong, the chorale’s rich and luminous sound delighted a standing-room-only audience. The
Even though it was storming outside, the Kaua‘i Chorale warmed up audience members during a Dec. 10 concert at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center. Seventy-two voices strong, the chorale’s rich and luminous sound delighted a standing-room-only audience.
The first performance of the two-night concert marked the chorale’s 48th anniversary, and the program titled “Sing Noel!” featured both familiar and not-so-familiar holiday songs.
Under the steady hand of conductor Lois Ricciardi, the Chorale gave a 90-minute performance that combined the works of both modern and traditional composers.
The concert opened with an entertaining “Fa La La Fantasy,” which takes “Deck the Halls” to an entirely new level. It was followed by the premier of chorale composer Greg Shepherd’s “Bethlehem Star.”
The program was given a Hawaiian touch during “Mary, Did You Know?” when Judy Fields and Stacy Salvadore Chinen performed an interpretive hula dance. During “Christmas Island,” soloists Rami Donahoe and Marie Yadao donned grass skirts as they were accompanied by the ‘ukulele.
Soloist Judy Byce performed a sassy “Santa Baby” and Joyce Anglemyer and Randy Leonard lent their vocals to “I Wonder as I Wander” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” respectively.
Many of the songs performed were sung in part in their original languages, adding to the concert’s charm.
The finale, “A Symphony of Carols” by Randol Alan Bass, featured four uninterrupted movements that showed the vocal prowess of the group.
Like in concerts past, the program ended in a sing-along of popular holiday carols, such as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “Jingle Bells,” “Joy to the World!” and “Silent Night.” A surprise visit from Santa Claus in the lobby capped off the evening.
The Kaua‘i Chorale features members from across the island, and the group has been practicing every Monday since September to prepare for its string of December concerts. The concert was dedicated to Pat and Larry Kopesky, long-time volunteers for the chorale.
The chorale was supported by accompanist Virginia Shepherd and the Kaua‘i Instrumental Ensemble and was later joined by members of the Kaua‘i Community College band.
It was a festive concert that left everyone gleeful, and those who weren’t able to attend can look forward to an exciting effort by the chorale this spring.
On May 5 and 6, the Kaua‘i Chorale will join the KCC band to present Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” for the first time on Kaua‘i. The famous composition is a staple in popular culture, heard in countless films and commercials.
The Kaua‘i Chorale is open to anyone with a desire to sing and able to attend Monday evening rehearsals. The rehearsal for the spring concerts begin Jan. 9. Call 332-9356 or 822-5633 for more details.
