Waimea chorus to begin spring concert rehearsals

Chorus Director Barbara Kopra has announced the starting date and general program for the Waimea Community Chorus 20th anniversary rehearsal season and spring concerts.

The theme for the concerts is a celebration of musical theater. The first half of the concerts will feature songs from early musicals and operettas made famous in the 19th century, many of which are still popular and widely enjoyed today, although listeners are often unaware of their origin. There will be songs from “The Bohemian Girl,” “The Toreador’s Song” from “Carmen,” and a medley from “The Pirates of Penzance.” Other Gilbert and Sullivan songs from “The Mikado” and “The Gondoliers” will also be presented. “The Merry Widow Waltz” and “Mack the Knife” are on the docket, too.

The second half of the concerts will complement the first, with modern Broadway hits from shows set in the same period of time, such as “Les Miserables,” “Phantom of The Opera,” “The King and I,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Oliver” and “Jekyll &Hyde.” Popular hits such as “Getting to Know You,” “Think of Me,” “All I Ask of You,” “Consider Yourself,” “On My Own” and “One Day More” will be recognized by Broadway lovers.

The rehearsal season begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday with registration beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the St. James’ Episcopal Church on Kawaihae Road in Waimea.

Registration continues on Tuesdays through Feb. 4. New members are welcome, and individual auditions are not required, but prospective members must be able to commit themselves to Tuesday rehearsals from 7 to 9 p.m. A few extra evening rehearsals and Saturday potluck rehearsals are also part of the season, particularly as it gets closer to concerts.

The concerts are scheduled for June 7 and 8 at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. Some music and program expenses are associated with chorus membership. For more information, visit waimeacommunitytheatre.org/chorus or call 885-5818.