News & Events

Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT) was recently recognized as one of America’s top rated opera companies with a four-star rating for three consecutive years, by Charity Navigator, America’s most respected nonprofit evaluator. Charity Navigator appraises more than 5,000 charities nationwide and has awarded HOT its highest efficiency rating of all evaluated opera companies in the country.  Among just five opera companies to earn a 4-star rating this year, HOT is the only one to achieve this distinction for the past three consecutive years. 

To see HOT’s 4-star financial review on Charity Navigator’s website click here.

This is a particularly noteworthy recognition for HOT given it is has the lowest relative fund expense but bears the highest percentage production cost,  primarily due to Hawaii’s challenging shipping logistics for sets, costumes and travel expenses. Celebrating its 50th anniversary season in 2010, HOT is the only performing arts company in Hawaii to earn this coveted 4-star rating. 

This recognition for the third year puts HOT in the top 12% of all charities nationwide according to Charity Navigator. “We are so very proud of this recognition,” said HOT Executive Director Karen Tiller.  “Like so many opera companies around the country, we are facing challenging times. The commitment to both artistic excellence and fiscal management are intertwined on a daily operational basis, one moves lock-step with the other.  We are proud of the added recognition this 4-star rating has brought Hawaii Opera Theatre and our community.” 

Charity Navigator’s website allows donors to easily find charities that are accountable, accurate, and trustworthy based on its extensive evaluation process.  Charity Navigator has more visitors than all other charity evaluators combined and site visitors contribute over $3 billion annually in donations.  “Charity Navigator is a wonderful third party endorsement,” says Karen Tiller.   “It is another affirmation that every dollar donated to our operating budget is well monitored and supports our mission.

A major cultural institution in Hawaii, HOT is world-renowned for its artistic excellence.  International opera artists from around the globe take the stage for HOT’s 50th Anniversary Season, beginning January 29, 2010.  For tickets call the HOT Box Office at 808-596-7858 or visit www.hawaiiopera.org.