Nā Wai Chamber Choir, Central Union’s ensemble-in-residence, is excited to present their kauwela concert entitled Makua Laiana. This concert will explore the works of Lorenzo Lyons and the mele of Ka Moku o Keawe. Lorenzo Lyons was an early missionary to Waimea, Hawaiʻi who sought an understanding of the Hawaiian culture through his relationship with the Kānaka Maoli. He worked to translate hymns into ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and composed hymns of his own. Join us as we celebrate this important figure and the communities he worked to serve. All are welcome!

Nā Wai Chamber Choir is a choral ensemble dedicated to the preservation, propagation, and innovation of Hawaiian choral music under the artistic direction of Dr. Jace Kaholokula Saplan. Dr. Saplan serves as Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor at Arizona State University and oversees the graduate program in choral conducting, conducts the ASU Concert Choir, and teaches courses in choral literature and pedagogy that weave decolonial and critical theories with communal vocal practice. Nā Wai has recorded a Global Music Award-winning album entitled Eō Liliʻuoklani under the Mālama Music label and performed for the 2021 Chorus America Summer Conference, the 2021 National American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Conference, and the 2020 ACDA Western Region Conference in Salt Lake.