We’re excited to be joining the Honolulu Chorale for their 14th Annual Community Chorus Festival. It will be on Sunday, April 10, 2016, 4 PM at Kawaiahaʻo Church, 957 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, Hawaii. We’ll be joined by the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus Ensemble, Gioventu Musicale, directed by Nola Nāhulu; the Sounds of Aloha Chorus directed by Mark Conching; and of course, the
Each group will be performing a short selection of songs and will conclude with a joint performance of John McCreary’s Halelu 23 led by guest clinician, Dr. Eph Ehly. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to hear several groups in one concert,” says Reverend Sharon Inake, who is a member of the Honolulu Chorale. “Who doesn’t love a barbershop harmony sound? The Windward Choral Society has exciting energy because of its size and its inspiring director. The young sound of Nola’s group is rejuvenating. We are a group celebrating our 50th anniversary led by a young director – great combo.” She also added, “Having a clinician for one song is a golden opportunity to musically unite several groups and advance choral singing in Hawaii.”
ABOUT EPH EHLY, CLINICIAN
Dr. Ewald “Eph” Ehly is Professor Emeritus at the Conservatory of Music, University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he taught for 27 years. He is the recipient of the Luther Spade Choral Director of the Year Award and the Amoco Foundation Outstanding Teaching Award. As one of America’s most sought-after guest conductors, Dr. Ehly has conducted over 80 all-state choirs, 500 festival choral ensembles, and continues to guest conduct in Carnegie Hall, New York City each year. Dr. Ehly also has appeared as a clinician and master teacher across North and South America, Asia, and Europe, presenting on more than 100 college and university campuses.
A native of Nebraska, Eph Ehly received his Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder, his Master of Music degree from George Peabody College in Nashville, and his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Notable teachers with whom he has studied include Jean Berger, Julius Hereford, Warner Imig, Louis Nicholas, Lynn Whitten, and Vincent Persichetti.
ABOUT HYOC GIOVENTU MUSICALE
The Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus Gioventu Musicale ensemble was organized to support the singing of mixed chorus (SATB) literature and participates in project focused musical learning experiences. Directed by Nola Nāhulu , the ensemble consists of boys and girls ages 14 through 18 and they have participated in multiple community events as well as HYOC sponsored festivals such as the Lokahi and Ho’olokahi High School Festivals.
ABOUT THE SOUNDS OF ALOHA CHORUS
For nearly 70 years, the Sounds of Aloha Chorus (SOA) has been entertaining audiences with its unique acappella sound, off-beat humor, and heartfelt presentation. The chorus is the Hawaii chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Under the musical direction of Mark Conching, SOA performs barbershop standards, hapa haole favorites, holiday music, Broadway and swing numbers, patriotic songs, and more. The members of the chorus range in age from teenagers to octogenarians and comprise a number of quartets, including Resonance, Funny Bones, 19th Avenue, and Wong Fu.
ABOUT THE HONOLULU CHORALE
Founded in 1966, the Honolulu Chorale is one of the longest performing choruses in the State of Hawaiʻi. The members of the Chorale represent the multi-ethnicity of the state’s population, all walks of life, and adults of all ages and musical experience. The Chorale presents two major concerts each year, in May and December, in addition to performing at community events. In past years they’ve toured Hawaiʻi’s neighboring islands, Europe, Japan and China. The Chorale is currently led by music director, Jeremy M. Wong.