The Na Wai Chamber Choir is coming to Hilo for a free concert and workshop for Hawaiian vocal and choral music.
Director Jace Kaholokula Saplan in 2009 founded the ensemble, which has been dedicated to the preservation, propagation and innovation of Hawaiian choral music.
The choir is made of about 30 vocalists who mostly reside on Oahu. Most members hold professional positions regarding music while they participate in Na Wai on the side.
In its 15 seasons of existence, Na Wai has commissioned and mentored emerging Native Hawaiian composers and conductors who have gone on to professional careers.
The choir focuses on Native Hawaiian agency music and frequently performs Queen Lili‘uokalani’s choral compositions. Na Wai has brought this multicultural perspective in the form of music around the world.
“We’ve been invited to perform throughout the country and have been featured in events like the National Choral Directors Conference,” Saplan said. “In March, we performed at Carnegie Hall and have been given many opportunities as an indigenous ensemble.”
Saplan started the choir as a student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa when he realized there was not a place for him to perform in his native language.
“With the blessing from my mentors, I started it on my own with my closest friends singing in the practice room,” Saplan said. “From there, we’ve grown into professionals and grown through this craft. I learned that if there isn’t a space for you, start it.”
Na Wai Chamber Choir will be performing a free show at 7 p.m. on Saturday at First United Protestant Church. The concert will showcase a repertoire that honors local Big Island composers.
“We are so excited to share and honor Hawaii Island with our mele and compositions of Queen Lili‘uokalani,” Saplan said. “As a Hilo native, it’s always such a blessing to come home and share in our journey. All of this is possible because of where I grew up and the music and educators I’ve experienced.”
There will be a second free performance on the Big Island at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 6, at Kauaha’ao Church in Waihinu.
Na Wai also will be hosting a free mele and choral conducting workshop for music educators and composers from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. this Saturday at UH-Hilo before the concert. Participants can bring an ukulele or guitar to the workshop, although it is not required.
The mele workshop will be 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and conducting will be 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Those interested in participating in the workshop can contact Saplan at (808) 990-4973 or email at jacesaplan@gmail.com.
