Spring is seeped in thematic overtures of renewal, in musical messages of transition from darkness to light and rejuvenation of the spirit. To capture the complexity of the seasonal awakening, the Kona Choral Society will present its spring concert, “Requiem for the Living,” at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, at the Kaleiopapa Ballroom at Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay.
Intrigued and inspired by the namesake for the concert, KCS Artistic Director Susan McCreary Duprey felt the new choral work “Requiem for the Living,” by up-and-coming composer Dan Forrest, was ideal for the choral society’s season finale.
“After I listened to ‘Requiem for the Living,’ I was so taken by it. The composer takes us on an incredible musical and emotional journey,” said Duprey, who listened to the five-movement work while on her 30th annual hike up Mauna Loa. She had recently come across the 2014 composition after investigating various Forrest works following a previous Kona performance of his song, “Carol of Joy.”
However, Duprey continued, Forrest adds his own unique and powerful twist to the Roman Catholic liturgical funeral arrangement — for his interpretation of the music is intended to connect with those who are still alive, thus the title of the piece, which translated from Latin means “rest” for the living.
“It’s for those that remain behind, we continue on after our loved one has passed on,” Duprey said, quoting a line from the composer’s writings. “The vigor, scale and early 20th century lyrics are based off the historical Latin mass, but he (Forrest) writes the movements in an approachable, engaging way that brings the music alive.”
The work will be backed by an expanded chamber orchestra with 100 voices and the musical accompaniment of 20 instrumentalists. Members of the Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra and musicians from Oahu will round out the performance. Featured soloists include sopranos Leilani Friels, Susan Leonard and Amy Mills, and Bernaldo Evangelista, a tenor.
The chorus will also perform three choral arrangements of songs from Hawaii Island: “Kona Kai ‘Opua,” arranged by Dorothy Gillett, “Keawaiki,” arranged by Randie Fong, and “Kimo Hula,” arranged by Les Ceballos.
“These songs are going to become standards in our repertoire,” said Duprey about the island mele that worked their way into the spring showcase following a choral workshop with conductor and Kamehameha graduate Justin Kaupu. “Justin worked with our chorus to learn the Hawaiian language for all our Hawaiian choral songs.”
Tickets for the Saturday-only performance are $25 for adults and $5 for students. They can be purchased at Kona Stories in Keauhou Shopping Center, Kona Bay Books on Kaiwi Street, or online at www.konachoralsociety.org.
Info: www.konachoralsociety.com, 334-9880. ■