Kanilehua Chorale to present ‘American Voices’

Kanilehua Chorale will present its spring concert, “American Voices,” tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Protestant Church in Hilo. The group will be under the musical direction of Mark Sheffield, with Walter Greenwood and Cheryl “Quack” Moore at the piano.

“It’s not about the music that we all have in common,” said Chorale president Sherry Amundson. “It’s about what our diverse musical traditions bring to the musical table.”

The concert will feature examples of Sacred Harp singing, music by American composers, folk tunes, spirituals, Dixieland, ragtime, klezmer, Hawaiian, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll music. “It’s rumored that we’ll do ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen,” Amundson said.

“From ‘Yankee Doodle’ to ‘I Got Rhythm,’” the songs of American composers are known around the world,” said Sheffield.

The concert will include works by William Billings, the ragtime composer Scott Joplin, George Gershwin, Stephen Foster, Aaron Copland, the American classical maverick Charles Ives, and Hilo’s own Aunty Edith Kanaka‘ole.

“This is also the time of year when we accept and work with prospective new members,” said Amundson. “After the concert, we’d be happy to talk with anyone who wishes to audition during the summer.” Others interested in auditioning may contact the group at info@kanilehua.org.

Sheffield, named music director of the Chorale this year, has guest conducted the group before. Most notably, in 2010 he conducted Faure’s “Requiem” in a combined performance by Kanilehua Chorale and the Hilo Community Chorus. He teaches voice in Hilo both through UH-Hilo and through a private music studio.

Tickets to “American Voices” are $15 — $5 for students — at the door. Advance tickets are available at Basically Books, and may also be purchased at a discount from Chorale members or by calling 961-3862.