HONOLULU – February 23, 2009: Composer and University of Hawai‘i faculty member Donald Reid Womack has been named the winner the O‘ahu Choral Society call for compositions. As winner, Dr. Womack receives the commission to compose a short choral work on an aspect of the life of Father Damien, as well as a $3,000 prize. The O‘ahu Choral Society, which performs publicly as the Honolulu Symphony Chorus, will premiere the new work at a concert on May 16, 2009 at the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew in Honolulu. The commissioned work will potentially become a larger oratorio for a future Hawaii International Choral Festival.

“Father Damien is not only an important figure in the history of Hawai‘i, but a model of selflessness for all of humanity,” said Dr. Womack. “I'm very pleased to have been selected for this honor, and I look forward to creating a beautiful and dramatic work that celebrates his life through the emotional power of choral singing.”

“During such difficult economic times, all of us at the Honolulu Symphony Chorus are thankful for this exceptional opportunity made possible by the City and County of Honolulu Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts,” said Dr. Esther Yoo, director of the Honolulu Symphony Chorus. “This commission is also very timely and important for Hawai‘i in that this composition will celebrate Father Damien in the year that he is scheduled to be canonized.” 

“Dr. Womack was selected because his music speaks with high emotional content that is fresh, consistent and convincing,” continued Dr. Yoo. “I believe that his sensitive and dramatic style will result in a powerful work that relates the compassion of Father Damien to audiences here in Hawai‘i in this very special year.”

Dr. Womack has been a faculty member at the University of Hawai‘i since 1994 and serves as professor of composition and theory. His music has been heard on five continents and he has been honored by more than 50 awards and commissions, including a Fulbright Senior Researcher Grant to work in Japan. His major works include a symphony, a violin concerto and most recently, a concerto for shakuhachi, koto and orchestra commissioned by the Honolulu Symphony. In 1996, the German periodical “Neue Musikzeitung” placed Dr. Womack among a group of young American composers who “justify hopes that America should be capable of providing stimulus for a new century.” 

The May 2009 concert, conducted by Dr. Yoo, will also feature the Hawaii premiere of Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna, as well as other works by living composers. The more than 130 singers of the Honolulu Symphony Chorus will perform at this community‐building concert that offers everyone the opportunity to hear choral music performed live in a beautiful setting.  The call for compositions is a first for the O‘ahu Choral Society. It was made possible by a generous grant from the City and County of Honolulu Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts. For more information on Dr. Womack, please visit www.donaldwomack.com.

About the Honolulu Symphony Chorus  
The Honolulu Symphony Chorus features more than 130 singers from Oahu who are united in their love of choral singing, passion for music‐making and enriching the community. Each year, Chorus concerts bring together thousands of families, students, seniors and friends to share the joys of music. Concerts also offer an exceptional opportunity for families to introduce the experience of live choral music to children. Visit www.oahuchoral.com and www.honolulusymphony.com for more information.

Upcoming Honolulu Symphony Chorus Performances

CARMINA BURANA
Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 12, 2009 at 4 p.m. ‐ Blaisdell Concert Hall
Tickets start from $19. Visit www.honolulusymphony.com for ticket information.  
Featuring:
Jean‐Marie Zeitouni, conductor  
Sumi Jo, soprano
Brian Stucki, tenor
David Adam Moore, baritone
Honolulu Symphony Chorus

The Symphony Chorus takes center stage in Carl Orff’s passionate Carmina Burana.  
Generously sponsored by the Arthur and Mae Z. Orvis Foundation.  


The Oahu Choral Society is a non‐profit corporation in support of the Honolulu Symphony Chorus.