UH Choirs Virtual Mele Project: "Waikā" arr. Michael Springer

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Choral Program present a traditional mele, "Waikā" arranged by Michael Springer. Conducted by Dr. Jace Kaholokula Saplan. Video and Audio recording by Nicholas Matherne.

Dr. Saplan writes—
Aloha mai,

When our university moved to online instruction the UH Mānoa Choirs (comprised of four ensembles: the University Chorus, Concert Choir, Nā Wai Chamber Choir, and the UH Chamber Singers), worked on bringing this mele to life…virtually!

Our mele, "Waikā" honors text taken from “Hole Waimea,” a chant composed for Kamehameha I. With infinite poetic entry points kaona (Hawaiian metaphor) allows us to interpret this mele in many ways. However, one scholar inspired us to link “Waikā” to what we are experiencing today. According to Kumu Stephen Desha, Waikā is a mele that celebrates a communityʻs efforts to protect their loved ones in times of strife— a sentiment that is pertinent to our current circumstances.

Through this kaona, we offer this mele to our frontline workers, our UH alumni and students protecting their communities, our graduating UH students, and all those finding innovative ways to keep Hawaiʻi connected, thriving, and resilient.
We sing for you.

Mahalo piha,
Dr. Jace Saplan
Director of Choral Activities