Composer picked for Damien work

Donald Reid Womack, composer and University of Hawaii faculty member, has been named the winner of the Oahu Choral Society's call for compositions about Father Damien.

Womack will be commissioned to compose a short choral work on an aspect of Damien's life and will receive a $3,000 cash prize.

The Oahu Choral Society, which performs publicly as the Honolulu Symphony Chorus, will premiere the work at a concert May 1 at St. Andrew's Cathedral. The piece could become a larger oratorio for a future Hawaii International Choral Festival.

Womack was selected because “;his music speaks with high emotional content that is fresh, consistent and convincing,”; according to Dr. Esther Yoo, director of the Honolulu Symphony Chorus.

Zonta Clubs offer young women prizes

Young women interested in public service are invited to apply for cash awards from Hawaii's Zonta Clubs.

The Young Women in Public Affairs award recognizes volunteer leadership achievements and dedication to the advancement of the status of women. District winners receive $1,000; international winners receive $3,000.

Women ages 16 to 20 may apply through Zonta Clubs on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Contact award chairwoman Rene Mansho, 306-1876, or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). com. Deadline is next Friday.

COMING UP

Eggcellent artist showcases work

If you find it hard enough to crack an egg neatly, what Dania Blackmer Zempel does is going to seem like magic.

The Big Island artist carves egg shells, creating lacy designs that have won her six international awards. She'll showcase them from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow at Mana Hawai'i Gallery on Waikiki Beachwalk.

Zempel was commissioned to design the Hawaii State Egg for the 50 State Easter Egg Display at the White House last year. (Examples: http://www.hawaiianparadisedesigns.com)

Appearing with her will be two other Big Island artists: John McCollum, who works with gourds, bamboo and native hardwoods; and painter Stephanie Bolton. Call 923-2220.

The artists also will be featured tonight during First Friday activities, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Mendonca Building Courtyard in Chinatown.

Journey sets third date

Journey has added a third concert to its Blaisdell Arena run — on March 28. Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. tomorrow, with a limit of six per customer, at the Blaisdell Center box office and Ticketmaster outlets. Charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 or visit http://www.ticketmaster.com.

The band is already set to appear March 25 and 26 at the arena, and had been scheduled to perform at the Waikoloa Bowl on the Big Island on the 28th. The Waikoloa concert will be moved to March 29, 30 or 31.

Those holding Waikoloa tickets may use them on the rescheduled date or get a refund. Call (877) 745-3000 or visit http://www.ticketmaster.com or http://www.waikoloanights.com.