Monthly Archives: January 2015

Hawaii Opera Theatre’s ‘Opera for Everyone’ Returns For The Flying Dutchman

Honolulu, HI Hawaii Opera Theatre’s (HOT) Education Program will once more bring Opera for Everyone (OFE) to the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall for the Final Dress Rehearsal of The Flying Dutchman on February 11, 2015 at 7:00pm. 

Since 1991, HOT’s Opera for Everyone Program has offered students from elementary through high school and college classes (24 and under) the opportunity to enjoy the live opera experience for $7 at the Final Dress Rehearsal of each production. Teachers and others working with Hawaii’s youth may reserve seating for the final full orchestra dress rehearsal. HOT also extends this offer to families interested in attending OFE.

The Flying Dutchman has captivated audiences for over a century and has been the inspiration in countless popular culture references including the cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants, the best-selling Twilight Series, and the film franchise, The Pirates of the Caribbean. This classica Wagner opera tells the tale of a legendary ghost ship, The Flying Dutchman, captained by a man simply known as the Dutchman, who is cursed to wander the sea.  His only chance at redemption comes once every seven years. If the Dutchman can find a wife that will be true to him, then he shall be set free of his curse.

Imported from the Glimmerglass Festival in New York, HOT’s production of The Flying Dutchman features the same star-studded cast as the original, including Bass-Baritone Ryan McKinny (The Dutchman), Soprano Melody Moore (Senta), and Hawaii’s second son, Tenor Jay Hunter Morris (Erik), who was last seen here during the 2013-14 Opera Season’s production of Turandot. This production will be sung in German, with English translations projected above the stage.

To learn more about Opera for Everyone and to download the Student Group and Family Brochures, visit http://www.hawaiiopera.org/education-outreach/student-dress-rehearsals/

For more information about HOT’s Education & Outreach Program, please contact Erik D. Haines, Director of Education, at e_haines@hawaiiopera.org. For Tickets to Opera for Everyone, please contact Blythe Kelsey, Education Coordinator, at b_kelsey@hawaiiopera.org or by calling (808) 596-7372. The deadline to register is Feb. 9, 2015.

-#########-

Since 1961, Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT), formerly a division of the Honolulu Symphony society and incorporated in 1980, has served to enhance the quality of life in Hawaii by presenting opera performances of the highest standards, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Through 3 productions annually in the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, HOT offers opera to over 14,000 residents and visitors each season, thereby increasing the public’s awareness and exposure to opera s a multi-media art form.

Directed by Artistic Director, Henry G. Akina, and Executive Director, Simon Crookall, HOT partners with the Hawaii Symphony to provide the orchestra. Auditions to cast principal roles are generally held in NY, and attract singers from the mainland, Europe, and Asia. The Opera Chorus is a local volunteer organization.

Pop Culture 101 – The Flying Dutchman

If you’re new to opera, the first thing you think of when you hear “The Flying Dutchman” is probably not the opera by German powerhouse composer Richard Wagner.

It’s probably this:

Screen shot 2015-01-29 at 1.31.52 PM

In The Pirates of the Caribbean, Davy Jones serves as the captain of the ghost ship ‘The Flying Dutchman.’

The blockbuster film Pirates of the Caribbean has many similarities to The Flying Dutchman. A ghost ship, a cursed captain, and of course thrilling music, are all part of Wagner’s opera. Even the set, imported from the Glimmerglass Festival in New York, is a ship! Of course, there is one major theme of The Flying Dutchman that isn’t found in, but instead in another popular film (especially for teenagers):

Screen shot 2015-01-29 at 1.33.16 PM

Twilight was released in 2008 and pulled at the heartstrings of millions of teenagers.

Francesca Zambello, the production’s original director, saw an interesting connection between both tales.  Yes, it’s romance!  Senta, the main object of attraction in The Flying Dutchman, faces the same inner struggle as Bella Swan in Twilight. Will she choose Erik, the stable huntsman who is clearly in love with her? Or the Dutchman, a mysterious, swash-buckling man with a dangerous attitude? In other words… #TeamErik or #TeamDutchman? Speaking of teams, if you’re a soccer fan you probably watched the World Cup 2014 this past summer. Who remembers this iconic moment from the Netherlands v. Spain?

In this instance, the term ‘The Flying Dutchman’ is literal. Robert van Persie literally turned into the Flying Dutchman to score a goal for the Netherlands against Spain. What’s better about HOT’s production? Not only does our Dutchman fly for more than just a few seconds, but we also have multiple dancers flying on ropes! Well, that, and a hunky Bass-Baritone…

Screen shot 2015-01-29 at 1.36.33 PM

Who can resist Ryan McKinny?!

To conclude, HOT’s production of The Flying Dutchman has elements from all three of these popular cultural references (??) and more! Join us as we drop anchor at the Blaisdell Center on Feb 13, 15, and 17! Buy tickets online at Ticketmaster or call our box office at (808) 596-7858.     The Netherlands forward garnered the title ‘The Flying Dutchman’ after his acrobatic header.The

HOT Preview-The Flying Dutchman at the Opera Residency in Our Kaka’ako!

This past Tuesday, HOT shared a HOT Preview at the Opera Residency to a packed house in Honolulu’s Urban Arts District of Kaka’ako!  The HOT Rehearsal Space was born from a collaboration with Kamehameha Schools Our Kaka’ako initiative and HOT is currently rehearsing for February’s The Flying Dutchman!

The tortured Dutchman

The audience took in a special behind-the-scenes look at the set and had the chance to learn more about the the story and interact with the characters.  Check out the highlights below.

 

 

 

 

Who wants to date Daland's daughter Senta?

Don't mess with Mary

Erik's ready ladies

Senta waiting on her a man of her dreams...

HOT Preview with Simon

HOT Preview in Kakaako

HOT Preview Crowd
Special thanks to HOT Orvis Opera Studio Members Sean Sakata (The Dutchman), Jacque Comer (Senta), Renson Madarang (Daland), Leah Ralston (Mary), and Mihal Nowicki (Erik) for their time and portrayals of the cast from The Flying Dutchman!

If you haven’t, buy your tickets now to The Flying Dutchman online at www.HawaiiOpera.org or call the HOT Box Office at 808.596.7858!

 

 

The Flying Dutchman – Behind-The-Scenes with Choreographer Eric Sean Fogel

Hawaii Opera Theatre’s production of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman received critical acclaim when it debuted at the The Glimmerglass Festival in New York (2013).

Catch a glimpse of the production from the perspective of Choreographer Eric Sean Fogel and his preparations in the lead up to and through rehearsals.

The Flying Dutchman launches on Feb. 13, 15, & 17, 2015!  Buy your tickets online now!

Opera Preview – The Flying Dutchman

Dutchman Half pg ad

The 2014-15 Opera Season continues next month, which means HOT’s Opera Preview Lecture  returns!

On February 04, 2015, starting at 10:00am, join HOT for an Opera Preview at the Honolulu Museum of Art’s Doris Duke Theatre.

Featuring a lecture about the opera, this event is highlighted by an opportunity to hear from the Stars of HOT’s upcoming production, The Flying Dutchman.  

This event is free to HOT and HMoA members!

For more information about the The Flying Dutchman Opera Preview, contact HOT at (808) 596-7372.

The Flying Dutchman

From New York to Hawaii – Hawaii Opera Theatre presents Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman

Honolulu, Hawaii Hawaii Opera Theatre’s (HOT) 2014-15 Opera Season continues when Richard Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman makes port this February.  The Flying Dutchman has captivated audiences for over a century and has been the inspiration in countless popular culture references including the cartoon, SpongeBob SquarePants, the best-selling Twilight Series, and the film franchise, The Pirates of the Caribbean. 

The Flying Dutchman tells the tale of a legendary ghost ship, The Flying Dutchman, captained by a man simply known as the Dutchman, who is cursed to wander the sea.  His only chance at redemption comes once every seven years.  If the Dutchman can find a wife that will be true to him, then he shall be set free of his curse.  With his chance at redemption once again upon him, the Dutchman finds himself betrothed to a woman named Senta, whom appears to love him deeply.  Soon the Dutchman learns that Senta has another lover, a hunter by the name of Erik, and with the curse tearing at his soul, prepares to go back to sea.  Will Senta prove her love for the Dutchman and set him free, or will he and his ship be cursed to wander the seas for eternity?

A star-studded cast reprise their roles from the original production’s original outing at The Glimmerglass Festival in 2013, including Bass-Baritone Ryan McKinny (The Dutchman), Soprano Melody Moore (Senta), and Hawaii’s second son, Tenor Jay Hunter Morris (Erik), who was last seen here during the 2013-14 Opera Season’s production of Turandot.  Rounding out the principal cast are singers Bass-Baritone Paul Whelan (Daland), Hawaii resident and University School of Music Professor, Mezzo-Soprano Maya Hoover (Mary), with Tenor Nathan Munson (Steersman), who received acclaim for his performance in last season’s double-billing of Pagliacci & Carmina Burana.

“The Glimmerglass Festival in New York is known for producing phenomenal opera and artistically beautiful productions.  After seeing The Flying Dutchman there in 2013 for myself, I started to work on making its trip here to Honolulu a reality. “ shares HOT Artistic Director Henry Akina.

Maestro John Keenan leads the Artistic Team of The Flying Dutchman.  Mr. Keenan conducted the original production at its debut alongside Glimmerglass Artistic Director, Francesca Zambello.  Joining Mr. Keenan as Director for HOT’s production is another member of the original team, Sara Widzer. An alumnus of the Glimmerglass Young Artists Program, Ms. Widzer was the Assistant Director during the production’s first run.

The Flying Dutchman will be performed at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall on February 13, 15, & 17, 2015.   Single Tickets to The Flying Dutchman and Spring Three Pack Subscriptions can be purchased by contacting the HOT Box Office at (808) 596-7858, online at www.HawaiiOpera.org or via www.TicketMaster.com 

Enhance your operatic experience by attending a number of special HOT events.

HOT Preview

January 27, 2015 / 6:30pm – 7:30pm / HOT Opera Residency at 445 Cooke Street 

HOT will be holding its next free HOT Preview, where you can get a Behind-the-Scenes tour of HOT’s new rehearsal hall home and Opera Residency, on January 27, 2014, in Our Kaka’ako at 445 Cooke Street.

Experience first-hand accounts of the story of The Flying Dutchman as told by The Dutchman, Senta, & the rest of the cast, portrayed by Members of HOT’s Orvis Opera Studio.  Visit them all and be entered to win a two-night stay at the Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel.

“The HOT Preview is a deconstructed Opera experience. We find that once we get people through the door, the majority of them fall in love with HOT but sometimes getting people through the door can be a challenge.  The Preview allows us to provide the local community with an opportunity to sample all the sensations that opera touches through art, music, performance, & more.” HOT Marketing Director Jason Walter shares.

Free drinks will be served accompanied by live music from DJ Mr. Nick, with his signature blend of tunes mixed with opera.  Street Parking is available.

RSVP online by 1/26/15 at HOTPREVIEW.eventbrite.com.

Introducing HOT Out

February 13, 2015 / 6:30pm – 11:00pm / The Honolulu Club & Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall

From the drama to the history to the music, our passion for the stage and all of its incarnations knows no bounds. It’s with this mindset—that of unyielding, unquestioning love—that we are pleased to announce HOT OUT: an LGBT event.

HOT will host this special night for Hawaii’s LGBT community from 6:30pm – 7:30pm at the Honolulu Club, prior to the Opening Night of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman on February 13, 2015, at 8:00pm.

“Guests of HOT Out can expect a spectacular night at the opera, with a pre-show mixer at the Honolulu Club and then top-price seats to The Flying Dutchman,” said HOT Executive Director Simon Crookall. “Those who attend this special night will also be invited to join our VIP intermission reception and enjoy an opportunity to share their views on Wagner, the Dutchman, and the joys of living in Hawaii!”

Exclusive Mixer, Top-priced tickets (valued at $135), & VIP Reception, all for $100.

Tickets online at HOTOUT.eventbrite.com.

HOT Tuesday

February 17, 2015 / 5:30pm – 10:00pm / The Honolulu Club & Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall 

HOT Tuesday returns!  Started during the 2013-2014 Opera Season, HOT Tuesday has quickly grown into a fabulous pau-hana & performance experience, gaining new patrons with each event.

Start the evening at The Honolulu Club for a party, which includes drinks, food, live music, and free parking, followed by a night at the opera during the final performance of The Flying Dutchman in the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall at 8:00pm!

All this, just $40!

Tickets online at HOTTUESDAY.eventbrite.com.

-#########

About Hawaii Opera Theatre

Since 1961, Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT), formerly a division of the Honolulu Symphony Society and incorporated in 1980, has served to enhance the quality of life in Hawaii by presenting opera performances of the highest standards, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Through four productions annually in the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall and other venues, HOT offers opera to nearly 22,000 residents and visitors each season thereby increasing the public’s awareness and exposure to opera as a multi-media art form.

HOT’s educational programs for youth serve as both catalyst and active participant in the artistic education of Hawaii’s youth. Opera for Everyone provides a special performance of each opera for a large and enthusiastic audience of students. Opera Express takes operas specially adapted operas, into elementary and middle schools with special tours to all neighbor islands. HOT’s Opera Residency program takes our education and production staff members into an elementary school to work with students and teachers to compose an opera production centered around curriculum components. Adult education is offered with Opera Highlights, a non-credit course at the University of Hawaiʻi; Opera Previews, at the Honolulu Academy of Arts; pre-performance Lanai Lectures on the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall lanai; and other presentations at stores or shopping centers.

Led by Artistic Director Henry Akina and Executive Director Simon Crookall, HOT employs the HOT Orchestra. Auditions are held, generally in NY, to cast principal roles from mainland, European, Asian and local singers. The Opera Chorus is a local volunteer organization.

Congratulations to the Captain!

Screen shot 2015-01-14 at 2.19.29 PM

Capt. James H. McCoy
Recipient of the 2015 Opera Trustee Recognition Award from Opera America.

HOT’s Chairman of the Board, Captain Jim McCoy, has been recognized as one of the recipients for the 2015 National Opera Trustee Recognition Award!

HOT could not be more thrilled to see the Captain honored!  He has been a loyal subscriber since 1988 and has guided the company through many undertakings, including the addition of a contemporary opera, which takes place when this Season’s Siren Song takes the stage in March.

Mahalo for all of your hard work, sir!  This award is well-deserved!

Read the full Press Release from Opera America online here.

OPERA AMERICA ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF ITS 2015 NATIONAL OPERA TRUSTEE RECOGNITION AWARD

News Release | January 13, 2015

Contact: Patricia Kiernan Johnson, Director of Marketing and Communications

212.796.8628; PKJohnson@operaamerica.org

OPERA AMERICA ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF ITS

2015 NATIONAL OPERA TRUSTEE RECOGNITION AWARD

John Nesholm, Seattle Opera

James H. McCoy, Hawaii Opera Theatre

Sue Bienkowski, Long Beach Opera

Frank “Woody” Kuehn, Opera Southwest

Bank of America proudly sponsors the

National Opera Trustee Recognition Program

New York, NY—OPERA America, the national service organization for opera, is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2015 National Opera Trustee Recognition Award. Now in its eighth year, this award honors outstanding trustees of U.S. opera companies for exemplary leadership, generosity and audience-building efforts on behalf of their respective opera companies.

The recipients of the 2015 National Opera Trustee Recognition Award are John Nesholm, Seattle Opera; James H. McCoy, Hawaii Opera Theatre (Honolulu, HI); Sue Bienkowski, Long Beach Opera; and Frank “Woody” Kuehn, Opera Southwest (Albuquerque, NM). OPERA America will pay tribute to the 2015 honorees and celebrate their remarkable achievements at a dinner and reception on Friday, February 27, in New York City.

“We are delighted to be joined by Bank of America for the eighth consecutive year in celebrating the significant and enduring contributions of these devoted trustees,” stated Marc A. Scorca, president/CEO of OPERA America. “Successful opera companies depend on effective boards. The National Opera Trustee Recognition Award affords the entire opera community an opportunity to salute and learn from those who have been so generous in their passion for the art form, vision and support of their opera companies.”

Each year, OPERA America Professional Company Members are invited to nominate one of their trustees for this award. One honoree is chosen from each of OPERA America’s four budget levels, recognizing that devoted trustees are an integral part of opera companies large and small.

Through a competitive adjudication process, honorees are selected by the National Opera Trustee Recognition Program committee, led by OPERA America Board Member Carol F. Henry (chairman of the board of directors’ executive committee, Los Angeles Opera). Other committee members include: Elizabeth Eveillard (past chair of the board of trustees, The Glimmerglass Festival), Garry Fredericksen (past president of the board of directors, Indianapolis Opera), Ruth Orth (past chair of the board of trustees, Pensacola Opera) and Fillmore Wood (former vice chairman of the board of directors, Opera Pacific).

“OPERA America’s commitment to recognizing the multifaceted contributions of opera company trustees is inspiring,” stated Ms. Henry. “As an opera company trustee, I understand the level of commitment the nominees make to the art form and to the opera companies they love. Therefore, I am deeply honored to commend their achievements on a national scale.”

The honorees display a significant range of accomplishments, profound generosity and a deep devotion to promoting opera in their communities. The following profiles illustrate just a few examples of their dedication.

John Nesholm, Seattle Opera (Seattle, WA)

John Nesholm has served as board president of Seattle Opera from 1992 to 2005 and is currently in his ninth year serving as board chairman. Mr. Nesholm has carefully guided Seattle Opera with an unwavering focus on financial stability in service of artistic excellence. One of his foremost achievements has been reshaping the cultural landscape of Seattle. His firm LMN Architects served as the lead architect for Benaroya Hall, Seattle’s premier symphonic hall, in 1998; transformed Seattle Opera’s performance space, Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, into one of the leading opera houses in the country in 2003; and was the architecture firm of record for the Seattle Public Library designed by the highly acclaimed Rem Koolhaas. Mr. Nesholm chaired the organization’s recent search committee that appointed Seattle Opera’s third general director in its 51-year history. He has also diligently served on Seattle Opera’s facilities committee, finance committee and governance committee, and has presided over the company’s annual meeting for over a decade. Currently, Mr. Nesholm is lending his time, expertise and leadership to a highly collaborative public/private partnership that will relocate the organization’s administration, rehearsal spaces and creative shops to facilities adjacent to its performing space, adding vitality to Seattle’s theater district.

Mr. Nesholm’s support of Seattle Opera has extended well beyond its physical space. His leadership and support of its artistic programs have allowed it to achieve its prominent position among American opera companies while weathering the risks inherent in making great art. Since 1990, the Nesholm Family Foundation has sponsored 26 productions, including lead sponsorship of the 2013 Ring cycle, and the Nesholms have made significant personal gifts, as well. “The support and leadership of John Nesholm stands alone in Seattle Opera history,” remarked General Director Aidan Lang. “No other donor has been as generous with their time, expertise and gifts to the organization.” Mr. Nesholm and his wife, Laurel, have also served as dynamic fundraisers for the company, leading the company’s recent 50th anniversary celebration and gala honoring retiring General Director Speight Jenkins, which earned $1 million in net proceeds. The Nesholms also served as co-chairs of The Campaign for Seattle Opera, which helped the company withstand the recent economic recession by raising over $36 million for operations, endowment and capital.

James H. McCoy, Hawaii Opera Theatre (Honolulu, HI)

Capt. Jim H. McCoy has been a loyal subscriber of Hawaii Opera Theatre since 1988, when he moved to Hawaii upon retiring from the U.S. Navy. He joined the company’s board of directors in 1997 and went on to become treasurer two years later. In 2001, Capt. McCoy was elected board president, a position he continues to hold 14 years later. Throughout his tenure on the board, Capt. McCoy has shown significant leadership in financial terms as well as in governance. He is not only one of Hawaii Opera Theatre’s greatest annual contributors, but he has also been instrumental in galvanizing support among his fellow board members. When the company proposed a contemporary opera series in a downtown Honolulu warehouse, Capt. McCoy both guided the board to approve the project and also pledged significant financial support to make it possible. He likewise steered the company’s plan to create a summer series of musicals and led the campaign to raise funds for the project, which was successfully initiated in 2004. More recently, Capt. McCoy helped to restructure HOT’s opera season, changing it from a festival format to a year-round schedule, which has been a great success with audiences.

Capt. McCoy has also played a key role in guiding the administrative aspects of Hawaii Opera Theatre. As board president, he led the company to establish the new position of executive director to complement the work of the artistic director, enabling the company to prioritize business as well as artistic goals. He also oversaw HOT’s move to new offices at the Hawaii Opera Plaza, a building that now generates significant revenue for the company through rentals.

Sue Bienkowski, Long Beach Opera (Long Beach, CA)

Sue Bienkowski is an enthusiastic philanthropist and board member of several regional and national arts organizations. Ms. Bienkowski is now in her 10th year as board president of Long Beach Opera, and together with Artistic and General Director Andreas Mitisek, she has transformed the company from a small, local organization to a robust and nationally recognized company. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Bienkowski has cultivated important relationships in order to transform LBO’s board into one that is able to fundraise, promote the company and establish connections to ensure success. As a result of Ms. Bienkowski’s support of fundraising and management efforts, the company has been able to grow in the last 10 years from two to five productions, quadruple its subscriber base and increase its annual budget from $430,000 to $1.5 million. Ms. Bienkowski’s passion and personal generosity as one of its top contributors has been crucial in creating the company’s success.

“What is perhaps most awe-inspiring about Sue is that while she does all the hard work of building LBO’s infrastructure and keeping our managerial choices smart, focused and financially responsible, she also never loses sight of the adventuresome LBO spirit that she loves so much,” stated Andreas Mitisek. Indeed, Ms. Bienkowski has always remained steadfast in her commitment to trailblazing, innovative programming. She continues to support the company’s performances of adventurous repertoire in unexpected places.

Frank “Woody” Kuehn, Opera Southwest (Albuquerque, NM)

After retiring from a 26-year career in venture capital, Woody Kuehn joined the board of Opera Southwest in 2006 and was elected its president in 2007, a position he has held ever since. He has served on the boards of nearly 20 companies, and this extensive experience has informed his strong leadership of Opera Southwest. During Mr. Kuehn’s tenure as president, Opera Southwest has more than doubled its annual budget, allowing the company to dramatically improve its level of artistry; enlarged its board from 12 to 19 members, due in large part to Mr. Kuehn’s recruitment efforts; and increased attendance, resulting in an 80 percent increase in ticket revenue. Mr. Kuehn has also overseen two successful transitions in artistic and administrative staff leadership and a change in performance venue. He has supported Opera Southwest’s artistic leadership in their efforts to explore adventurous repertoire, including the internationally acclaimed resurrection of Franco Faccio’s Amleto (not seen for more than 140 years).

These successes would not have been possible without Mr. Kuehn’s hands-on involvement in the company, particularly in the area of fundraising. He spearheaded Opera Southwest’s recent effort, Fund for the Future, to raise a significant cash reserve of working capital, and he has also been instrumental in overseeing the company’s annual fund. In addition to acting as a key fundraiser and advocate for the company, Mr. Kuehn has also served as a crucial volunteer in the day-to-day operations of the company — from hosting guest artists at his residence to representing the company at rehearsals and performances.

OPERA America’s National Opera Trustee Recognition Program is made possible by the generous support of Bank of America.

Previous National Opera Trustee Recognition Program recipients are:

2014

Michael and Noémi Neidorff, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Ruth W. Orth, M.D., Pensacola Opera

Kenneth G. Pigott, Lyric Opera of Chicago

Robert L. Roschel, M.D., OperaLancaster 

2013

Lisa Erdberg, San Francisco Opera

Patricia A. Richards, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera

Cherie Shreck, Des Moines Metro Opera

Timothy J. Wagg, Opera North

2012

Elizabeth Eveillard, The Glimmerglass Festival

Joseph and Judy Liff-Barker, Nashville Opera

Susan F. Morris, The Santa Fe Opera

William C. Morris, The Metropolitan Opera

Dr. George R. White, Opera Theater of Pittsburgh

2011

Eleanor “Ellie” Caulkins, Opera Colorado

Jackie Lockwood, Dayton Opera

John I. (Jack) Riddle, PORTopera

Lynn Wyatt, Houston Grand Opera

2010

Jeffrey A. Evershed, Portland Opera

Benjamin Keaton, Long Leaf Opera Company

Fred and Eve Simon, Opera Omaha

Marc I. Stern, Los Angeles Opera

2009

James T. Cody, Jr., The Dallas Opera

Richard Holland, Opera Omaha

Beth Ingram, Lyric Opera of Kansas City

C. Guy Rudisill, III, Piedmont Opera

2008

Betty W. Healey, Opera Birmingham

Sally S. Levy, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Jane A. Robinson, Florida Grand Opera

G. Whitney Smith, Fort Worth Opera

For more information about OPERA America and its services,

visit operaamerica.org.

###

About OPERA America

OPERA America (operaamerica.org) leads and serves the entire opera community, supporting the creation, presentation and enjoyment of opera.

  • Artistic services help opera companies and creative and performing artists to improve the quality of productions and increase the creation and presentation of North American works.
  • Information, technical and administrative services to opera companies reflect the need for strengthened leadership among staff, trustees and volunteers.
  • Education, audience development and community services are designed to enhance all forms of opera appreciation.

Founded in 1970, OPERA America’s worldwide membership network includes nearly 200 Company Members, 300 Associate and Business Members, 2,000 Individual Members and more than 12,000 subscribers to the association’s electronic news service. In response to the critical need for suitable audition, rehearsal and recording facilities, OPERA America opened the first-ever NATIONAL OPERA CENTER (operaamerica.org/OperaCenter) in September 2012 in New York City. With a wide range of artistic and administrative services in a purpose-built facility, OPERA America is dedicated to increasing the level of excellence, creativity and effectiveness across the field.

 

HOT’s Opera Express presents The Pirates of Penzance in HPR’s Atherton Studio Jan. 24

Pirates of Penzance 1A_0

Hawaii Opera Theatre’s educational touring adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operetta The Pirates of Penzance comes to HPR’s Atherton Studio on Saturday, January 24th. Performed by a small cast from HOT’s Mae Z. Orvis Opera Studio, the special child-friendly matinee begins at 1:00 p.m. The show, originally created for grades K – 8, offers opportunities for adventurous audience members of all ages to hoist a sail or swab a deck — and perhaps even sing a bit.
Tickets for this interactive Atherton Studio event for family audiences are specially priced at $10 for adults and free for youth (under 18-years old). Reservations may be made at www.hprtickets.org or by calling the radio station (808.955.8821) during regular business hours. The Atherton Studio is located at Hawaiʻi Public Radio, 738 Kāheka Street. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

Erik Haines, director of HOT’s education outreach programs, said, “The Pirates of Penzance may be one of the friendliest ways to get involved in the world of opera. You have a very light comedy which we’ve shortened from two-and-a-half hours to 45 minutes or so, and the audience gets to participate, to sing opera, so it doesn’t have to be this foreign thing with large ladies with horns on their helmets shrieking. It’s just good fun.”

The comic plot of “Pirates” follows the misadventures of a young Englishman named Frederic, who was mistakenly apprenticed to a group of pirates, led by the Pirate King. The terms of Frederic’s indenture are that he is to be freed at the age of 21. Just after his 21st birthday, he meets and falls in love with Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley, only to discover that he was born on February 29 in a leap year. Since he has thus technically had only five birthdays, he must remain with the pirates for another 63 years. Mabel promises to wait for him.

A free study guide with background information, suggestions for story-related activities, and the lyrics of the songs are available at www.hotpirates.weebly.com.
About Hawaii Opera Theatre
Since 1961, Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT), formerly a division of the Honolulu Symphony Society and incorporated in 1980, has served to enhance the quality of life in Hawaiʻi by presenting opera performances of the highest standards, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Through four productions annually in the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall and other venues, HOT offers opera to nearly 22,000 residents and visitors each season thereby increasing the public’s awareness and exposure to opera as a multi-media art form.

HOT’s educational programs for youth serve as both catalyst and active participant in the artistic education of Hawaiʻi’s youth. Opera for Everyone provides a special performance of each opera for a large and enthusiastic audience of students. Opera Express takes operas specially adapted operas, into elementary and middle schools with special tours to all neighbor islands. HOT’s Opera Residency program takes our education and production staff members into an elementary school to work with students and teachers to compose an opera production centered around curriculum components. Adult education is offered with Opera Highlights, a non-credit course at the University of Hawaiʻi; Opera Previews, at the Honolulu Academy of Arts; pre-performance Lanai Lectures on the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall lanai; and other presentations at stores or shopping centers.

Led by Artistic Director Henry Akina and Executive Director Simon Crookall, HOT employs the HOT Orchestra. Auditions are held, generally in NY, to cast principal roles from mainland, European, Asian and local singers. The Opera Chorus is a local volunteer organization.

About HPR’s Atherton Performing Arts Studio
The Atherton Studio seats 75 people and is home to a magnificent Bösendorfer concert grand piano. The Studio is available for rent for musical performances, community group meetings, recordings, and lectures. It is located in the HPR office and studio complex at 738 Kāheka Street, across from the Honolulu Don Quijote. Metered street parking is available, as are paid lots at the First Hawaiian Bank (Kapiʻolani branch) and in the Pan Am building.

Select Atherton Season concerts air on the HPR-produced program Applause in a Small Room, Sundays at 4 p.m. on HPR-2.

About Hawai‘i Public Radio
HPR is a private, non-profit organization which broadcasts classical, jazz, and international music; and in-depth news and informational programming from National Public Radio, American Public Media, Public Radio International, and other local, national, and international program sources, as well as programs produced by Hawai‘i Public Radio. In December 2014, Charity Navigator, the premier charity evaluator, awarded HPR its third consecutive four-star rating for exceptional fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

HPR’s mission is to serve the entire population of the state of Hawai‘i with two excellent program streams. HPR-1, the news magazine and fine arts stream, can currently be heard on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i (KHPR 88.1 FM and 88.5 FM); Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and West Hawai‘i (KKUA 90.7 FM); and East Hawai‘i (KANO 91.1 FM (Hilo) and 94.7 FM (Waimea)). HPR-2, the news, local talk, and music stream, is found on Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i (KIPM 89.7 FM and KIPH 88.3 FM (Hana)); West Hawai‘i (KIPM 89.7 FM and KHPH 88.7 FM); the newest station in south Hawai‘i (KAHU 91.7 FM); O‘ahu and Kaua‘i (KIPO 89.3 FM; KIPL 89.9 FM). HPR is online and streaming at hawaiipublicradio.org and hpr2.org; as well as on Facebook (hawaiipublicradio) and Twitter (@hipubradio). Free iOS and Android™ apps for “Hawaii Public Radio” are available for download from the App Store or Google Play™. HPR-1 and HPR-2 may also be heard via cable broadcasts from Oceanic Time Warner (channels 864 and 865) or Hawaiian Telcom TV (channels 661 and 662).

Happy New Year!

HOT Holiday New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR OPERA LOVERS!

HOT is back for a packed Spring, chop full of Wagner, Dove, and Sondheim!

Have you heard about the Opera 3 Pack?  3 Great Operas, 1 Low Price!  You can get this subscription to the Spring Series of The Flying DutchmanSiren Song, and Sweeney Todd for as little as $85!

Purchase online today!