The UH Choirs have come together, even at a distance, to make music. Director of Choral Activities Dr. Jace Saplan explains the project, which brings together each of the UH-Mānoa choirs:
“We are excited to share with you our virtual choir project featuring students from all of our choral ensembles—the University Chorus, Concert Choir, Nā Wai Chamber Choir, and the UH Chamber Singers.
Our mele, “Waikā” honors text taken from “Hole Waimea,” a chant composed for Kamehameha I. With infinite poetic entry points kaona (Hawaiian metaphor) allows us to interpret this mele in many ways. However, one scholar inspired us to link “Waikā” to what we are experiencing today. According to Kumu Stephen Desha, Waikā is a mele that celebrates a communityʻs efforts to protect their loved ones in times of strife— a sentiment that is pertinent to our current circumstances.
Through this kaona, we offer this mele to our frontline workers, our UH alumni and students protecting their communities, our graduating UH students, and all those finding innovative ways to keep Hawaiʻi connected, thriving, and resilient.
We sing for you.”
Congratulations to all involved in this multifaceted project. To learn more about the UH Choirs, visit https://manoa.hawaii.edu/music/about-us/ensembles/choirs/