The BYU-Hawaii Concert Choir performed “Verdi-Messa da Requiem” on Thursday, April 6 at the Blaisdell Performance Hall in Honolulu alongside the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and Oahu Choral Society.
The music was conducted by Esther Yoo of the Oahu Choral Society, and hundreds of people attended.
Pononui Cabrinha, a previous BYUH student from Hauula who watched the performance, said, “The Concert Choir is one of the top collegiate choral groups in the state, and it's thanks to the unique makeup of the group and how diverse it is.
Four soloists from different vocal ranges performed alongside the choirs and symphony: Angela Brown, soprano; Charlene Chi, alto; Keith Purdy, tenor; and Leon Williams, bass.
Cabrinha, a former member of the BYUH choir, said Michael Belnap, the Concert Choir director, was able to create a unified choir out of diverse students. “He and the choir have worked tirelessly to prepare for this, and all their hard work paid off and made for a truly beautiful night of music.”
Noelle Oldham, a sophomore from Florida studying theatre education and member of the Concert Choir, said, “It's something very unique and special to be in, especially from where we are in this small college community.
“The performance felt so much more powerful with a big audience. I got so many compliments from the Oahu Choral Society that was performing with us. They loved our energy and what we brought to this concert.”
According to Izy Kongaika, a sophomore from Italy studying computer science, performing at the concert proved to have challenges and advantages. He said, “Keeping the timing together and looking at the conductor [was difficult]. Everyone comes in at different parts.”
Kongaika said, “It was really nice to work alongside the symphony and choir. Singing with other people who are good helped me get better myself.”
Oldham said, “I remember listening to the soloists who recorded this piece and then hearing these soloists perform it, and I was amazed! I remember turning to my friend asking if they were the same people as the recording. They were inspiring.”
Soprano and opera singer Angela Brown received praise from the audience. Cabrinha said, “The soprano soloist was by far my favorite. I loved everything about her. She looked great and, more importantly, she sounded great. It was an absolutely stellar performance.”
The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra impressed both audience members and members of other performing groups. Oldham said, “The symphony was, and is always, something that blows my mind.”
Cabrinha said, “The Hawaii Symphony was wonderful as always. I've been to several of their performances and am impressed every time. It's great to know that we have such high-caliber musicians here and that the Concert Choir has been able to collaborate with them many times throughout the years.”
Kongaika said, “I love Concert Choir. I’ve been doing choir for about eight years now, and the Concert Choir is really fun. It’s been a learning experience for me.”
Cabrinha said, “It's amazing how much the choir had to learn in such little time. It's a testament to their director, to be able to prepare them for such a big piece that quickly.”
Writer: Hyram Yarbro