Maui Concert Chorus - A Symphony of Carols



Celia Canty conducts Maui Concert Chorus

'A Symphony of Carols' was all we had hoped for and more. Celia Canty's Maui Concert Chorus and their guest artists took us on a magical musical journey to Nigeria, Three Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Israel, the United Kingdom and Russia. Angie Carr on keyboard and a Petite Orchestra made up of talented Maui musicians provided wonderful accompaniments to many of the songs.  Throughout the concert we were treated to the rich full voice of our island's very own baritone, Robert Wills.

He was joined by Harpist Tatyana Shapiro and cellist Silvina Samuel as he sang the Wexford Carol, a traditional Irish Christmas Carol dating to the 12th century.  His performance of Schubert's Ave Maria was mesmerizing with Celia Canty's beautiful harp renderings as the background. See videos below.



It was a special treat to hear the Ukranian Bell Carol performed as a duet by Celia and Russian born Tatyana on their harps. A stirring performance of Awake the Harp! from Haydn's 'The Creation' again featured Tatyana on harp as well as Sharon Nakama on Oboe.

Tatyana Shapiro and Celia Canty performing Ukranian Bell Carol

Humor was added to the concert by the Maui College Chorus as they donned antlers for a fun version of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Other familiar carol such as White Christmas, Let it Snow and  A Symphony of Carols again featuring Bob Wills, lifted our spirits and filled our hearts with Christmas joy.

The concert came to a magnificent ending with the choruses and audience singing The Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah.

Celia Canty conducting The Maui College Chorus and Maui Concert Chorus

Kudos to a Glorious Concert

Afterwards everyone was treated to some delicious refreshments prepared by Mala Wailea and the MCC singers. What an evening to remember!  Visit the Maui Choral Arts website to learn more about this group.
Would love to hear your comments about this concert.