‘All Is Merry and Bright’

Island School’s four choral ensembles, together comprising the Island School Chorus, take center stage at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to present their seventh annual holiday concert.

Under the direction of Island School choral director Philip Steinbacher, “All Is Merry and Bright” showcases over 120 students from grades four through 12.

“I’m always excited about our concerts,” Steinbacher said, “but this one is especially upbeat and exciting. The holiday music featured represents a range of repertoire from beloved classics to newly discovered gems. It’s always challenging to find new ways to present old favorites, but I think we’ve really achieved that in this concert.”

Each of the different singing ensembles has a “showstopper” number, he said, which will really make for a rousing evening.

“Expect fun, humor, surprises, and good music,” Steinbacher said. “It promises to be a delightful evening of song that will put everyone in the holiday spirit.”

One featured composition in “All Is Merry and Bright” is a piece entitled Ocho Kandelikas, sung in Ladino, or Judaeo-Spanish.

Students in the Island School Chorus have been preparing since August for this performance, with some pretty compelling, unusual, and challenging repertoire, Steinbacher said.

“There are various objectives to consider when selecting songs for concerts, but it’s primarily important that students don’t just learn songs – they learn about music,” he said. “I really think we’ve accomplished that.”

“All Is Merry and Bright” is accompanied by Rose Alfiler.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students grades four to 12 and free for children grade three and under.

Tickets are available at the Island School office, and at the KCC box office.