Travel anywhere around the world in the last 250 years and there is a connective choral thread woven among people during the holiday season. It is the sound and performance of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah,” the most widely recognized master work and festive musical rite to usher in the Christmas season.
The unifying iconic sound of the Baroque oratorio has resonated in hearts and souls, and is the traditional holiday cornerstone of the Kona Choral Society’s seasonal program. For the 27th year, the KCS will present their highly anticipated concert, “Handel’s Messiah and More!” at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Kaleiopapa Convention Center, at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa in Keauhou.
“This is one of the most well-known choral works available,” explained KCS artistic director Susan McCreary Duprey of Handel’s three-part masterwork. “Anywhere in the world, regardless of religion, culture or background, you will hear part of ‘Messiah.’”
One of the unique components of the three-part musical composition is that over the years, since it was written in 1741, it has lent itself to various interpretations. According to historians, the ageless classic has been reimagined countless times, even during Handel’s life, to accommodate differences such as venues, languages and soloist vocal ranges. There are individual understandings or group dynamics that have allowed Messiah to be adapted to include large choirs or modern instrumentation. However, the work has, and will always be, anchored by its ability to attract listeners on an emotional level through Handel’s communicative connection and an unmatched skill in musical arrangement.
Likewise, the KCS’s 100-plus member chorus has established both their own musical interpretation and heartfelt connection to the piece. Under Duprey’s nine years of tutelage with the Kona singers, and because of her strong familial choral background with “Messiah,” she has taken the familiar piece and opened it up to include new orchestral focal points to accompany the vocalists and soloists.
“Each chorus has their own traditions with the music and we add more movements with timpani and trumpets,” said Duprey who will be guiding the performance of the popular Part I, commonly known as the “Christmas” portion and the powerful and thrilling “Hallelujah” from Part II. Additionally, a special KCS tradition, Duprey will include the spiritually moving “Worthy is the Lamb” and the prophetic “Amen” ending of Part III. The inclusion of the grand finale adds to the cadence, energy, and trumpet-like proclamations of the singer’s voices accentuated by the bright brass instrumentation.
Duprey’s intention of the personalized Messiah is to add “more fun” to the traditional favorite. She explained that the familiarity of this piece allows audiences to take a noted interest in it, despite its 18th century Baroque background.
“This is one of our most well-attended concerts,” Duprey said. “For our singers and our audience it’s like coming back to an old friend, or putting up the Christmas tree, plus there is something new every year.”
It’s the combination of the modern-take paired with the traditional roots that allow, Duprey said, for the intimacy of the piece to become part of the spirit of holiday custom. Her unique perspective on the work will be complimented by a full 21-member orchestra led by concertmaster Ursula Vietze-Koehler and local soloists Amy Mills, soprano, Youth Chorus director Wendy Buzby, alto, bass Dan Garrett and tenor Charles Mukaida.
Tickets are available online at konachoralsociety.org, at Kona Bay Book Store, or at the door. It is recommended to purchase tickets ahead of time.
Info: Email konachoralsociety@gmail.com.