Friday, October 16th, 2026

Artists

Voci Waimea

Celebrating vocal artistry through diverse backgrounds and lush ensemble singing

Voci Waimea is a newly formed a cappella vocal ensemble uniting singers from varied musical journeys who share a passion for harmonious group singing.

Their inaugural program presents contemporary English-language choral works by living composers, beginning with poetic Shakespeare settings that range from playful and romantic to mysterious and eerie.

Expanding into wider emotional landscapes, the repertoire includes modern pieces expressing reverence, reflection, wisdom, and grace.

Concert Program

Matthew Harris (b.1956)

Cecelia Macdowell (b.1951)

Jäakko Mäntyärvi (b.1963)

Matthew Harris (b.1956)

John Rutter (b.1945)

John Rutter (b.1945)

John Rutter (b.1945)

Matthew Harris (b.1956)

Matthew Harris (b.1956)

Don Macdonald (b. 1966)

Nicholas Ryan Kelly (b. 1987)

Connor Koppin (b.1991)

Dan Forrest (b.1991)

Jake Runestad (b.1986)

Program Notes & Lyrics

— by Mary Ann Warfield, Dramaturg, Cultural Resource Historian

Composer Biographies

Artist Biographies

Joshua Yang, Director

Josh studied composition a long time ago. He learned choir singing at Saint Matthias Anglican in Montreal, the CalArts chamber choir, the Waimea Consort, and the Waimea community choir. Needing the opportunity to sing some contemporary music, he is incredibly grateful to the singers with whom he has embarked on this choral adventure. In his spare time, Josh owns and operates the Hawaiian bean-to-bar chocolate Company: Pa’auilo Chocolate

Bettina Herbay, Alto

Bettina is a French mezzo-soprano amateur singer. The arts have always played an important role in her life. As a soprano 2 she sang for the last Waimea Consort’s performance in 2020. She now continues to enjoy singing a cappella with Voci Waimea Ensemble as an alto 1.

Joanne Pocsidio, Soprano

Joanne has performed with the Hilo-based Big Island Singers and is currently a member of the women’s a cappella quartet No Divas. When not singing, you might find her reading poetry, snorkeling, or line dancing.

John Stover, Tenor

John Stover has sung with numerous choral groups over the years including the Waimea Consort. He has also performed in many Waimea Community Theater productions. He attends and sings at St James Episcopal church and enjoys landscaping.

Kirk Corey, Bass

Kirk sings bass, plays keyboards, works in IT, and has been known to communicate with cattle in Kohala in tones unavailable to most household appliances. He brings Voci Waimea its low notes, steady pulse, and occasional evidence that the bass section may know more than it is saying.

Pat Pérez, Soprano/Alto/Tenor

Pat has sung with most of Voci Waimea ensemble members while part of The Waimea Consort from 1999-2020. Pat lives in Hilo and works at the university teaching machines how to find invasive species. When she’s not singing, you can find her pondering the mysteries of the universe with her cats, Coozie and Nuku.

Peter Gregg, Baritone

Peter is a retired pediatrician and 30-year Waimea resident who thinks choral singing is one of the most human things that we can do. He was a longtime member and part-time conductor of the Waimea Consort, greatly enjoys singing TTBB music with a college alumni group on occasion, and is happy that Voci Waimea can satisfy his vocal urges closer to home.

Sierra Ward-Bond, Soprano

Sierra is a singer and teacher from Toronto, Canada. She studied Voice Performance at the University of Toronto. Since moving to the Big Island, she has sung with the BAE choir, the Waimea Community Chorus, and Waimea Community Theatre.

Steve Kaplan, Baritone

Steve is a baritone choir singer who sings with the Waimea Community Chorus, the Kona Choral Society, the St James Episcopal Choir, the BAE chorus, and the Pacific Chorale Festival Chorus. He enjoys Early Music and art songs. Enjoying the Voci Waimea ensemble!