If you want to see Lois Ricciardi direct a performance of Kauai Chorale on Kauai, you have two chances left.
The first is 5 p.m. Sunday when the Chorale takes the stage at the St. Regis Princeville Resort for “The Glory of Christmas.”
The second is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 at War Memorial Convention Hall for an encore of the holiday show.
Ricciardi is stepping down after 28 years of directing the community vocal group.
So if you are looking for something to help get you into the spirit of Christmas, as well watch and hear the magic of Ricciardi and the Chorale, this is for you.
These last shows will be special, Ricciardi told TGI. It has been an honor and privilege to lead such a dedicated organization, she said.
“When I conduct the last few notes, I have a feeling there will be tears in my eyes,” she said.
The Chorale’s upcoming performances under Ricciardi will include renditions of Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” Rutter’s “Gloria,” choruses from the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah,” Z. Randall Stroope’s “Hodie,” and other traditional Christmas songs.
Virginia Shepherd will be accompanist.
Special guests will be Immaculate Conception Church Children’s Choir, which is sure to deliver some beautiful music of its own.
Ricciardi and the Chorale will be together one final time next year.
The group was invited to perform Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” at the Lincoln Center in New York on May 28. This, Ricciardi said, is an exciting accomplishment. About 30 of the 70-member Chorale are expected to go.
“These outstanding musicians will join with other choristers from around the world to form the Distinguished Concerts Singers International, a choir of distinction,” according to a press release.
Dr. Jonathan Griffith, artistic director and principal conductor for Distinguished Concerts International New York City, said: “The Kauai Chorale received this invitation because of the quality and high level of musicianship demonstrated by the singers as well as the high quality of their audition recording.
“It is quite an honor just to be invited to perform in New York,” he said in a press release. “These wonderful musicians not only represent a high quality of music and education, but they also become ambassadors for the entire community. This is an event of extreme pride for everybody and deserving of the community’s recognition and support.”
The singers will spend five days and four nights in New York City in preparation for their concert. They will spend about 10 hours a day rehearsing.
“Not all of the time is spent in rehearsals, since there is so much history and culture to see in New York City,” Griffith said. “However, the performance is the primary purpose for their visit to the city.”
Ricciardi said performing at the Lincoln Center will be a wonderful conclusion to 28 years with Kauai Chorale.
“It’s a pretty exciting and a wonderful way to end this many years of working with a wonderful group of people,” she said.
Which is exactly what Ricciardi has enjoyed all these years of leading a non-auditioned chorus, which means it is open to anyone.
“I love working with people of various levels of accomplishments,” she said. “So many come and cannot read music, but with a little bit of encouragement they accomplish a wonderful concert season.”
Tickets for “The Glory of Christmas” are $12 in advance, $15 at the door, $5 for students. They are available at Wrangler’s Restaurant in Waimea, The Bookstore in Hanapepe, Kalaheo Cafe in Kalaheo, Lappert’s in Kukuiula and Princeville, Scott’s Music House in Lihue, Pono Market in Kapaa, Kauai Music and Sound in Kapaa and North Shore Pharmacy in Kilauea.
