|
Crescendo Ignace "Iggy" Jang |
Concerts celebrate
peace and unityHappy Holidays from the Honolulu Symphony! 'Tis the season to rejoice in all the special things we have in our lives. Regardless of how we celebrate the season, let there be peace and joy in everyone's home and heart.
This weekend, we'll get into the holiday spirit and relieve some seasonal stress with special Hawaiian-style festivities. Our Christmas Pops concerts have become much-anticipated annual events, and this year, maestro Matt Catingub has invited two of Hawaii's biggest names to perform with us: the Brothers Cazimero and Na Leo Pilimehana.
Christmas Pops Concert
The Honolulu Symphony, with the Brothers Cazimero and Na Leo PilimehanaWhere: Blaisdell Concert Hall
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 4 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $20, $30, $40, $50, $65
Call: 792-2000 or Ticketmaster at 877-750-4400
That's not all! With the help of the 100 beautiful voices of the Honolulu Symphony Chorus, you'll get to sing along to some of your favorite carols and songs in someplace other than your car.
The Brothers Caz and Na Leo will perform their favorite songs and share personal holiday memories with us. From "Angels We Have Heard on High," which originated in France, to the German "O Christmas Tree," to our very own "Mele Kalikimaka," we'll enjoy Christmas music from around the world.
"Na Leo Pilimehana" means "voices blending together in warmth," and for this special evening, the words will take on a new dimension. The Brothers Caz and the "Sisters" Na Leo symbolize Hawaiian music in many ways. In each song, they re-create a sense of Hawaii's spiritual magic, honoring the past and sharing their joy of music. Their childhood stories are filled with music and kanikapila.
"Kanikapila," Angela Morales of Na Leo explains, is "the act of singing along with a large group." That's what these concerts are all about -- it's the symphony's way of celebrating unity, peace and love through music.
CHRISTMAS MUSIC may come only once a year, but from now until the New Year, it will be a big part of our lives. How much do you know about holiday music? Here's a little quiz to help you brush up on seasonal trivia:
>> What is the biggest-selling Christmas single of all time?Read on for the answers ...>> In what country did "Come All Ye Shepherds" originate?
>> How many translations of "Silent Night, Holy Night" exist?
>> Who started the tradition of standing to Handel's "Hallelujah"?
>> What melody was used for "Hark the Herald Angels Sing"?
Many holiday songs predate the celebration of Christmas as we know it. One of the earliest known songs dates back to the fourth century, a time when Christmas was not generally observed. Centuries ago, Christmas carols were mostly performed in churches but weren't strictly religious works. Some drew inspiration from the Bible, and others were rooted in village folk music. Carols were actually banned for some time, and it wasn't until the 1800s that carols enjoyed a revival.
What's a carol anyway? It's an English song associated with Christmas that dates back to the Middle Ages. Simple enough, but some say carols might have originated from the "carole," a 12th-century French social dance, described as a circle dance. But the French didn't use the term "carol," referring to the songs as "le Noël," as in the song "No-oh-well, No-oh-oh-well, No-oh-well, No-oh-oh-well!" Confused? In France today, you'll hear the term "un choeur de Noël," or chorus of Noël, because Christmas Day is now simply called Noël.
Over time, many carols were translated into other languages as the tunes traveled from town to town. So no matter where you are in the world at this time of year, you'll hear the same heart-warming tunes and medleys.
Ready with your quiz answers? Here we go:
>> Bing Crosby's "White Christmas"Now, we can't give you all the answers! The first reader who e-mails us with the correct answer to the last question will receive two tickets to Sunday's Christmas Pops Concert at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. E-mail suggestions@honolulusymphony.com with your answer, and I'll look for the lucky winner in the audience on Sunday.>> The Czech Republic
>> More than 180 languages -- it's the most popular Christmas carol in the world
>> The composer Felix Mendelssohn, who is better known for having written the wedding recessional
Ignace "Iggy" Jang is the Honolulu Symphony's concertmaster. His column will appear on the Monday prior to each concert of the season to illuminate works to be performed. E-mail comments and questions to Jang at suggestions@honolulusymphony.com
