Choral Music

IVE 2011

The International Choral Music began in January 2002, under the direction of Ms. Susan M. Duprey. With students from more than 100 countries attending Hawai‘i Pacific University, diversity plays a key role in the HPU experience. Talented and interested students may participate in showcasing this diversity through their participation in the International Choral program at HPU. 

Purpose of the Program

  • To provide an opportunity for HPU students to express their vocal talents.
  • To enhance HPU's commitment to a diverse student body through the performing arts.
  • To serve HPU as an outreach to the broader community through vocal performance.

Skills Developed

  • Singing ethnic choral literature from countries around the world.
  • Proficiency in ensemble singing.
  • Vocal abilities to the fullest potential.
  • Musical competencies such as ear training and the reading of musical notation.
  • Exploration of choral music from a historical and cultural perspective.
  • Deepening an appreciation and understanding of the universal language of music and its ability to unify the human spirit.

Vocal Groups

There are two performing choral groups at HPU: the International Chorale and the International Vocal Ensemble. Currently, HPU does not offer a music major or minor. The members of these two groups have chosen to participate because of their love of music and their belief in the principles of the International Choral program.
  • International Chorale
The International Chorale is comprised of 30-60 talented choral enthusiasts from the HPU community of students (undergraduate and graduate), faculty, and staff, as well as singers from the community, who perform choral repertoire from multiethnic sources. Individuals must audition in a “no stress” situation to qualify for the International Chorale. Rehearsals take place once a week. Academic credit for participation is available.
  • International Vocal Ensemble - “Sing For Your Scholarship”
This special group of voices is composed of 20-25 select singers who are recruited and auditioned for their vocal talents and experience. It is open to qualified students enrolled in one of HPU’s undergraduate or graduate degree programs. The ensemble makes up the vocal core of the International Chorale.
Because HPU does not have degree programs in music, all of the members of the International Vocal Ensemble (IVE) are pursuing degrees in other academic disciplines. Members may receive academic credit for participation. The IVE is one of the few choral groups in the world made up of nonmusic majors who receive scholarship for their participation. Partial tuition waivers are available for qualified students.  2012-2013 International Vocal Ensemble Audition Packet (PDF file)

Director of Choral Activities: Dr. Esther S. Yoo

Esther Yoo

Dr. Esther S. Yoo is the newly appointed Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities at Hawaii Pacific University.  Dr. Yoo is also the Artistic Director of the O’ahu Choral Society and conducts both the Honolulu Symphony Chorus and Honolulu Chamber Choir.  Currently, she serves as the president of the Hawaii Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, and music director at Christ United Methodist Church.

A native of Toronto, Canada, she holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting from the College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati. She received her undergraduate degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Conducting, both from the University of Toronto studying with Raffi Armenien and Doreen Rao. In addition, Dr. Yoo graduated with an Artist Diploma in piano performance from the Hochschule für Musik in Munich and has studied extensively with Russian pianist Vera Gornostaeva. She has appeared in festivals and masterclasses in France, Austria and Switzerland and has given recitals in Germany, France and Italy. As a conductor, Dr. Yoo was invited as a conducting fellow at the Oregon Bach Festival and Toronto Bach Festival with Maestro Helmuth Rilling. She has also participated in conducting master classes with Robert Shaw, Sir David Willcocks, Harry Christophers, Stephen Darlington and Dale Warland.  

Esther Yoo brings professional choral singing experience, having sung under the batons of Robert Shaw, James Levine, James Conlon and Helmuth Rilling, among others.  A versatile conductor, she has worked extensively with choirs and orchestras, including University of Toronto Women’s Chorus, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, Blue Ash Presbyterian Church as well as Canada’s professional chamber choir, The Elmer Iseler Singers.  She has previously held faculty positions at Hollins University in Virginia and University of Hawaii Manoa.  Since coming to Hawaii, Dr. Yoo has conducted major choral/symphonic works with the Honolulu Symphony, Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus, Hawaii Youth Symphony and the Hawaii Symphony. 

As an advocate for contemporary choral music, she has premiered new choral music at every opportunity, working with her students and faculty at the University of Toronto, University of Cincinnati, University of Hawaii at Manoa, as well as two recent premiers with O’ahu Choral Society.

For more information regarding the International Vocal Ensemble scholarship and the audition process, call, write, or email:

Dr. Esther Yoo
Director, Choral Music
Phone:  (808) 544-1127
(Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., HST. Excluding University holidays)