Mary Dominis, of New England, is credited with bringing the first Christmas to Hawaii in 1858. She was the wife of the first Governor. Last night on an evening tour of Washington Place, the official Governor’s mansion in Honolulu, I was charmed by her handmade ornaments.
Christmas music is getting me into the spirit, and I’d like to share the experiences with you.
• Come early for a seat to hear the 100-voice choir I sing in, the Windward Choral Society, at 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15, at St. John Vianney Church at 920 Keola Drive in Kailua, Oahu.
“For a Breath of Ecstasy” composed by Michael John Trotta with lyrics by Sara Teasdale will be under the baton of Artistic Director Susan McCreary Duprey and accompanied by Pianist Thomas Yee, Organist Jieun Newland, and other talented instrumentalists from around the island.
Open to the public. Freewill donations accepted.
Other choral works include repertoire from Argentina, Canada, France, Japan, America (to include an early American Shaker tune and a piece in Hebrew), South Africa, and Hawaiʻi.
• This Friday, our granddaughters will perform in the Le Jardin Academy student Christmas programs on campus.
• On Saturday evening, the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus at Kawaiahaʻo Church in Honolulu is offering up Christmas tunes starting 7 p.m. Admission free.
• Prior to the above evening event, I’ll be helping out the Windward Choral Society at Barnes & Nobel bookstore in a fundraiser for the choir. Just make a purchase and mention WCS to the cashier.
• In a members-and-guests only event, a music program will follow the Christmas Dinner at Kaneohe Yacht Club. We’re piggybacking on this occasion with another couple to celebrate Darling Husband’s birthday.
• Washington Place, the Governor’s official mansion, has our name on a guest list. So fancy.
• And into the new year is a three-day workshop on Maui led by well-known visiting composer Mark Hayes.
Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! Happy New Year! Yahoo!
~ Rebekah
Rebekah’s Studio 
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