Today, the Third Sunday of Advent, the LCH choir sang two motets by German Lutheran composers, “Ich bin eine Stimme eines Rufers” by Melchior Vulpius (1570-1615) and “Ich taufe mit Wasser” by Andreas Raselius (1563-1602). The first motet was sung for the Offertory and was conducted by Renson Madarang, a new voice in the tenor section and making his LCH conducting debut.

As you may remember, Renson sang the tenor solos in the Schütz “Latin Magnificat” and Bach Cantata 9, “Es ist das Heil” as part of the Vespers service on Reformation, October 30th. Renson is involved in the choral music program at Leilehua High School and is working on his Bachelor’s degree in voice at the University of Hawaii. During the rehearsal last Thursday, he used a choral rehearsal technique of “Aunty Nola,” referring to Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus’ Nola Nahulu, a major force in the choral scene here in Honolulu. He was a graduate of Kamehameha Schools but did not sing in the choral program; instead he played saxophone in the band!  Undoubtedly, though, he took part in the annual Song Contest. Renson also directed the Kaleoaloha Keiki Choir for a time, an after school program whose vision and mission is to “educate and engage children to appreciate and love music.”

Next week Naomi Castro will make her conducting debut with the LCH Choir and will conduct a carol during communion, “Hail blessed virgin Mary,” arranged by Charles Wood. After hearing her wonderful performance with the girls at St. Andrew’s Priory on December 2nd, I’m looking forward to it!