O'ahu Choral Society

The O'ahu Choral Society (OCS) is a distinguished musical organization with a rich history that spans over 28 years, dedicated to presenting music of the highest artistic excellence to the community of Hawai'i. Founded in 1995, OCS began its journey under the umbrella of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra and continued to evolve as an independent entity after 2009. OCS boasts a diverse membership of approximately 75 singers, who range from young adults to seniors. These individuals come from various backgrounds but are united by their shared talent and passion for classical music and choral singing. The society is known for its robust programming that includes a wide range of music, from choral/orchestral masterworks by composers such as Beethoven and Bernstein to major chamber ensemble works. OCS also places a strong emphasis on new commissions, featuring contemporary and local composers like Michael Foumai and Herb Mahelona. The society's performances often feature collaborations with the Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra (HSO) for major choral works, as well as chamber ensembles, accompanists, and a cappella pieces. OCS has a history of showcasing local and international artists as soloists and frequently partners with other arts organizations within the community to promote choral music across Hawai'i Nei. The mission of OCS is to create music at the highest artistic level in Hawai'i, aiming to present top-quality performances for the enjoyment and enrichment of the local community. As a passionate leader in the cultural and artistic scene, OCS contributes significantly to the vitality and spirit of Hawai'i, supporting and fostering an appreciation for choral music. OCS's continued success and ability to provide excellent choral music to the local community is made possible through the support of various organizations and donors. Notable contributors include the Orvis Foundation, Atherton Foundation, the Honolulu Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts, the Hawaii State Foundation for Culture and the Arts, as well as multiple corporate sponsors and individual donors. Over the years, the O'ahu Choral Society has performed a variety of choral masterworks, including Orff's "Carmina Burana," Walton's "Belshazzar's Feast," Prokofiev's "Alexander Nevsky," Haydn's "Creation," Handel's "Messiah," and Requiems by Brahms, Mozart, Verdi, Fauré, and Duruflé. The society has had the honor of performing under the batons of esteemed conductors such as Sergiu Commissiona, Katsuhisa Hattori, Skitch Henderson, Donald Johanos, Karen Kennedy, Joseph Flummerfelt, Robert Page, Robert Shaw, and Sir David Willcocks, as well as contemporary maestros like Eiji Oue, Scott Speck, Samuel Wong, Aaron Mahi, Nola Nāhulu, Timothy Carney, Akiko Fujimoto, and JoAnn Falletta. The O'ahu Choral Society remains a beacon of choral music in Hawai'i, inspiring audiences with its dedication to excellence and its celebration of the rich tapestry of choral music.