Channel Islands Choral Association plans diverse cultural celebration of music


The Channel Islands Choral Association will present “De Colores: A Cultural Celebration of Choral Music” at 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 2 at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 25 N. Las Posas Road, Camarillo, and 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 4 in the Santa Paula High School auditorium, 404 N. Sixth St.

The concerts will feature the Cal State Channel Islands university choir under the direction of KuanFen Liu, and the Santa Paula High School concert choir under the direction of Jerry Cruz.

Ventura County has a diverse cultural representation that makes the community rich, strong and vibrant, said Dean Butler, association president.

“Through intentional and innovative programing and performances, CICA thrives to recognize and elevate the diverse cultures and voices within our community,” he said.

Liu, associate professor of music at CSUCI and artistic director of the association, said, “I have had so much fun programming musical selections that reflect a wide range of cultures and their languages. We have had native speakers come to teach us diction and pronunciation to make sure we are honoring the languages the best we can.”

Attendees can expect to hear a diverse choral program representing the choral music of Mexico, South Korea, Israel, Palestine, East Africa and India, as well as music celebrating the choral contributions of African Americans and American women composers.

A $20 donation will be requested at the door.