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The Kona Choral Society, with Susan McCreary Duprey as artistic director, will ring in the holidays with good will, good cheer and good music with their Annual Holiday Concert Series. The two-part series of live choral performances will commence with the free “Joy to the World” community concert from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30, at the old Kona airport’s Makaeo County Pavilion.

Three weeks later, the classical holiday favorite “Messiah and More” concert will take place from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Kaleiopapa Convention Center at the Outrigger Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa in Kailua-Kona.

This season, the 90-member ensemble has welcomed Maika‘i Nash as guest conductor for this holiday showcase. Currently the artistic director of the Hilo Community Chorus, the talented 91直播an musician began his career from his childhood home in Kailua, Oahu.

Under the watchful eye of his parents, who instilled appreciation and discipline for the arts, Nash studied and mastered piano under the tutelage of Earnest Chang. Debuting with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra by age 11, he was a featured soloist for several years.

Afterward, Nash pursued his musical studies at the University of 91直播 at Manoa, before taking his love of classical piano internationally, attending McGill University in Montréal and studying in Italy and Austria before settling in Toronto, where he helped found Opera5, a boutique opera company.

“I grew up as a classical pianist and spent a good part of my career specializing in the art of opera as a collaborative voice pianist,” Nash explained, who now resides in Hilo, and began his professional career as a vocal coach and pianist before immersing himself in the theatrical world.

Known globally for his skill as a concert pianist and alongside his dynamic presence as a coach and conductor, Nash has earned a distinguished reputation, numerous accolades, and, most recently, the directorial position with the Hilo Community Chorus.

Nash was a natural choice to step into the temporary leadership role for KCS’s winter programming.

“I’m really enjoying working with the KCS,” said Nash, who began his rehearsal schedule with the chorus in September. “ It’s been great. They are such an amiable, easy to work with, and enthusiastic group. I’m excited to blend classical and 91直播an music, share my experience, and bring my expertise as a conductor to the table, too.”

Nash will make his debut with KCS at “Joy to the World,” a free, come-as-you-are, festive event. As in years past, this community favorite blends together an arrangement of international musical selections with choral sing-a-long traditions such as “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”

“There will be songs sung in Hebrew, Tagalog, English, Spanish and a 91直播an anthem, ‘Hail to Glory God,’ a beautiful song with unique modulations and patterns arranged by former student of Kamehameha Schools,” Nash said, noting the energy will be both lighthearted and joyous. “There will also be some fun, cheeky numbers too, such as ‘I Want a Hippo for Christmas.’”

For “Joy to the World,” vocalists will be accompanied by percussionist Sharon Cannon and collaborative pianist and UH professor Tommy Yee, as well as the Kona Brass members Garry Ross and Ross Roussel, trumpet; Lori Huff, alto saxophone; and Sue Garrod, trumpet.

Special music also will be provided by guest singers the SeaNotes, a Kona-based female barbershop quartet composed of Barb Fraley, lead; Peg Beauchamp, tenor; B. Hoist, baritone; and Karen Harrison, bass.

The second seasonal concert on Dec. 21 will be the highly anticipated G.F. Handel’s “Messiah,” a masterpiece that has been celebrated the world over as the cornerstone of Christmas choral music.

Backed by the sounds of the 25-member orchestra, the concert will spotlight soloists Nadari Hockenhull, soprano; Sarah Lambert Connolly, mezzo; Sage Hirasuna-Kaauamo, tenor; and Tyler Shimabukuro, baritone.

The “Messiah and More” concert will showcase the movements from Part I, the “Hallelujah” chorus from Part II, and “Worthy is the Lamb” and “Amen” from Part III.

Other arrangements will include: “Praise his Holy Name,” “Hanerot Halalu,” “En el Portal de Belén,” a traditional Puerto Rican song arranged by Ed Henderson, and “Nani Ke Li‘i Ki‘eki‘e.”

Keeping in the KCS tradition to honor the casual, welcoming ambiance of this classical concert, Nash emphasized the beauty, uniqueness and sophistication of this live choral music performance. By blending his own skill behind the baton with the artistry of the well-established chorus, he encouraged all to attend and experience the “joyfulness, exuberance, and energy of who we are and what we do on this island.”

The “Joy to the World” concert is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. Parking is free.

Tickets for the “Messiah and More” concert can be purchased online at www.KonaChoralSociety. org or at the door, for $35 general admission, $50 reserved, and free for 18 and under. Parking is complimentary with ticket purchase and can be validated at the concert registration table.

For more information, visit www.KonaChoralSociety.org or email KonaChoralSociety@gmail.com.