Windward Choral Society (WCS), under the direction of Founder and Artistic Director Susan McCreary Duprey, presents its 8th annual spring concert on Friday, May 27, at 7 p.m., at St. Ann Church in Kāne‘ohe and is repeated on Sunday, May 29, at 4 p.m. at St. John Vianney in Kailua. With an 8-year tradition of providing excellent choral music to the Windward and O‘ahu community, the 90-plus-voice chorus, along with vocal soloist and instrumental ensemble, carries the theme “Beyond Borders” to showcase a concert with an international and multicultural flavor. Included will be rousing gospel songs, touching Japanese melodies, an “Americana” medley and Bob Chilcott’s “A Little Jazz Mass,” the chorus’ most challenging piece, featuring solo vocalist Georgine Stark, Hawai‘i Island percussionist Sharon Cannon, string bassist Mark Breitenbach, Gloria Juan on keyboard performing jazz accompaniment, and Joanne Watanabe on keyboard as well. Special guests include members of the Marine Forces Pacific Band.
The concert theme, “Beyond Borders,” was created in part because, in June, members of WCS will join Hawai‘i Island’s Kona Choral Society on a tour to Japan, where they will present this same repertoire to audiences in Kyoto and Tokyo.
“While there, we will collaborate and share the stage with three Japanese choruses,” said Duprey, “two in Kyoto and one in Tokyo. I’m excited for this international musical exchange.”
Duprey expanded, “This season, Windward Choral Society has explored the ‘borders’ of our own musical experience. Singing gospel, jazz and, needless to say, singing in Japanese, was new to most of our singers. It has been an exciting semester learning new repertoire and pushing our personal musical borders.”
The concerts are free and no tickets are required. A calabash offering will take place to offset the costs associated with the performances. For more information, please visit TheWindwardChoralSociety.org or call 808-254-5717.
Anyone interested in joining the chorus may come to the open house and first rehearsal of the fall season on Tuesday, Sept 6, at 6:30 p.m. in Holman Hall at Kailua United Methodist Church.