ENTERTAINMENT

Singers seek local composition to honor Father Damien

The Oahu Choral Society hopes to pay tribute to Father Damien next spring with the performance of an original choral work by a local composer.

The piece would be 10 to 15 minutes long on an aspect of Damien's life, to be performed by the Honolulu Symphony Chorus in a free concert on May 16 at the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew. It could then become part of a larger oratorio at the Hawaii International Choral Festival.

The winning composer will receive $3,000.

Composers are asked to submit three contrasting works, including at least one choral piece, as soon as possible. The composer selected to produce the Damien piece will be announced by Jan. 31. Composers with cultural and social ties to Hawaii or Polynesia are eligible, even if they no longer live in the islands.

Call 524-0815, ext. 257, or visit www.oahuchoral.com.