Church musicians ready for
the Christmas season

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Star-Bulletin staff

Music in the spirit of the season is offered at several venues this month.

Church musicians began rehearsing for Christmas and its precursor season of Advent, which begins tomorrow, long before retailers began hanging their decorations.

All performances listed are free unless otherwise indicated.

TOMORROW

>> 4 p.m., Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church, 5339 Kalanianaole Hwy. Children may join in a participatory music experience in "Eine Kleine Keiki Kristmas Musik," led by University of Hawaii music education students.

>> 6:30 p.m., Mililani Presbyterian Church, 94-410 Kuahelani Ave., will combine carol singing with the Scottish tradition of "hanging o' the greens," decorating the sanctuary and refreshments.

>> 7 p.m., Waianae Baptist Church, 85-716 Farrington Hwy., will present "Christmas in the Islands" with Na Hoku Hanohano award winners Randy and Gay Hongo, Cheryl Toma Sanders and Spirit of Joy gospel hula team.

>> 7 p.m., Calvary by the Sea will continue with a second concert of the day, its annual Christmas sing-along directed by Arthur Harvey and featuring the Calvary choir and performing-arts groups, UH music students and guest artists.

>> 7:30 p.m., Central Union Church, 1660 S. Beretania St. The Oratorio Choir will present George Frederic Handel's "Messiah."

>> 7:30 p.m., St. Andrew's Cathedral, Queen Emma Square. "Advent Lessons and Carols" will feature choral music by Palestrina, Handel, Mendelssohn and others performed by the Cathedral Choir.

>> 7:30 p.m., Lutheran Church of Honolulu, 1730 Punahou St. "Advent Procession, an Advent Service for Our Time," will feature carols, motets and hymns and seasonal readings. The church choirs will perform music by Peter Hallock, Heinrich Schutz, Henry Purcell and Paul Manz.

FUTURE DATES

>> Friday: 7 p.m., Mililani Presbyterian Church, 95-410 Kuahelani Ave. Children and a few adults will star in a comedy modestly titled "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever."

>> Dec. 11: 7:30 p.m., St. Andrew's Cathedral, Queen Emma Square. Musical scores will be available -- but audience members are urged to bring their own -- for the annual "Messiah" Community Sing. Arlan Sunnarborg will accompany the ad hoc chorus on the cathedral's great organ, and special soloists will be featured with John Alexander conducting.

>> Dec. 13, 14: 7:30 p.m., Farrington High School auditorium. Ron Bright will direct New Hope Christian Fellowship's presentation of "From Heaven's Throne," a musical production of the Christmas story. The show -- with 80 players, 20 musicians and the choir -- will repeat on Dec. 16, 19-21 and 23. Reserve tickets at $9, $7 or $5 by calling the church, 842-4242, ext. 661.

>> Dec. 16: 7 p.m., Waianae Baptist Church, 85-716 Farrington Hwy. Adults and children will perform in "Gift of Heaven," a costumed cantata retelling the Christmas story and reflecting on its message in modern times. A candlelight service will follow.

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