Deck the halls and trim the tree because Kona Choral Society’s annual holiday concert, “Joy to the World,” returns to Old Kona Airport Park’s Makaeo Events Pavilion on Saturday.
Now in its fifth year, the free 4-5 p.m. concert brings together community to participate in the holiday tradition of singing Christmas carols and enjoying the magic of the season.
One of Kona’s favorite holiday events, Kona Choral Society’s much-anticipated performance brings locals and visitors together to share in the spirit of the holidays.
“This concert is always very well attended,” said Susan McCreary Duprey, Kona Choral Society artistic director
With a mix of classical holiday music, Christmas carols and Hawaiian tunes, there’s something for everyone.
“The intentional inclusion of the diverse musical selection is an important component of sharing in the multi-dimensional aspect of the holidays,” said Duprey. “Since the season is about togetherness, and the concert prides itself on providing an accepting and communal space to listen to a live choral performance, the music arrangements reflect the diverse and dynamic demographic of the island’s people while exposing concert-goers to new and unfamiliar songs from a variety of backgrounds and religions.”
The performers encourage audience members to be a part of the concert by singing along with the familiar songs.
“This is truly a family event, every year we’ve had a full house,” said Duprey. “I’ve received handwritten notes, emails, and letters from people telling me how touched they are with the music. Tourists have come up to the podium after the show will smiles on their faces explaining that they didn’t know this caliber of performance existed on the island.”
Duprey feels music unites people and brings them together in unique, individual ways. By bringing people together in a positive environment, she feels spirits are lifted and positive feelings of community are instilled.
“We need performing arts to unify us, to bring joy,” said Duprey about her organization’s desire to involve and bring moving and beautiful music to the community. “Singing brings people together in a tangible way, especially during the holidays. It lifts the spirits.”
The hour-long performance of the Kona Choral Society brings together global influences of Christmas music with songs of Hanukkah and other unique, multi-ethnic pieces. Piano accompaniment is provided by Gloria Juan, percussion by Sharon Cannon, trumpet by Andrea Lindborg and Charles O’Kelly, trombone by Sue Garrod and Frank Musacchioon, and Gary Russell on tuba.
Parking and the concert are both free to the public. An offering will be accepted to support the Kona Choral Society Youth Chorus program.
Info/learn more: Contact Susan Leonard at konachoralsociety@gmail.com or visit www.konachoralsociety.org.
