Christmas concert, baby luau for Jesus at Star of the Sea

By Rita Ariyoshi, Special to the Herald

The Oahu Civic Orchestra will perform selections from Handel’s Messiah, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Bizet’s Farandole and Rutter’s Candlelight Carol at Star of the Sea Church, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9. The concert will follow a “baby luau” that begins at 5:15 in the church hall to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

The orchestra will be under the direction of Aaron Mahi, with Norma Parado and Wilfred Kusaka. The Oahu Civic Orchestra is a volunteer community orchestra sponsored by the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

It includes musicians from all walks of life who perform classical, pop and contemporary music. They enjoy a full schedule of performances, including appearances at the Honolulu Academy of Arts.

The group was formed in 1971 as The Windward Symphony and is now Chaminade University’s Orchestra in Residence.

Aaron Mahi served as bandmaster of the Royal Hawaiian Band from 1981 until 2005. He is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and the Hartt School of Music in Connecticut.

Star of the Sea event organizer Lehua Bissan said, “This is a rare opportunity to hear truly great music right in church.”

Those who wish may bring baby gifts for the infant Jesus. These will be donated to the Mary Jane Home.

Tickets are $25 adults and $10 children for luau and concert. They may be obtained by contacting Sarah at the Star of the Sea Rectory, 734-0396.