The Honolulu Symphony and Oahu Choral Society, which separated eight years ago, are back together with the singing organization renamed the Honolulu Symphony Chorus. Symphony, choral society
together againBy Tim Ryan
tryan@starbulletin.comThe Oahu Choral Society was formed in 1993 so the chorus could continue singing after a labor dispute suspended symphony concerts.
After the symphony reopened in 1995, there were few opportunities for collaborative concerts due to the costs involved in "renting" each other's services, thus reducing the number of choral performances with the orchestra, said Stephen Bloom, Honolulu Symphony executive director.
There are 100 to 120 members in the volunteer chorus.
The move has been in the works for about four months and will save both organizations money, Bloom said.
This is "especially exciting ... at a time when both organizations are artistically and financially sound and ready to explore new, collaborative concerts," he said.
The chorus's first appearances will be at the symphony's season openings of the Pops, Oct. 5 and 6, and the Masterworks, or classical season, Oct. 14 and Oct.16.
As a single entity, the Chorus is expected to save at least $50,000 in operating costs, Bloom said.
The chorus's successful International Choral Festival will now become part of the symphony season," said Timothy Carney, who will become principal chorus conductor for the Honolulu Symphony under the new arrangement.
Under the new arrangement Carney and Joseph McAlister, chorus manager, will become part of the paid staff of the Honolulu Symphony, although the chorus and symphony boards remain separate. The Oahu Choral Society will continue as a support organization for the symphony chorus. Representatives from each organization will sit on both boards of directors.
In addition to the four opening night performances, the other collaborative concerts planned for this season are:
>> Dec. 16 -- A Classical Christmas
>> Dec. 29 to 30 -- Beethoven's Ninth Symphony
>> April 20, 2002 -- Mendelssohn's Elijah
>> May 19 to 21, 2002 -- Turandot!
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