"I wish more people would give opera a chance. They would realize that opera, like all music, can really move you."

Hawai’i Opera Theatre would not be nearly as successful without our incredibly hardworking and dedicated Board of Directors. This week, we want to give a shout out to Linn Alber! She has been a Board Member for 20 years, so she brings an incredible amount of historical knowledge and experience to the HOT ‘ohana. Read more to get to Linn!
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HOT: How did you become a Board Member?
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LA: Before I became involved with HOT, I worked on several Balls and Black-Tie fundraisers in Honolulu: The Heart Ball, Kama`aina Christmas, The Symphony Ball, etc. (I Chaired Kama`aina Christmas in 1997 and 1998 and The Symphony Ball in 2002.) I was invited to the Opera Ball in 1997 and became a subscriber shortly afterwards. A few years later I was asked to work on the Ball Committee. After I got involved with HOT, I started going to all of the functions.  and In 2003, I was asked to Chair the Opera Ball. As Ball Chair, I was invited to and had been attending Board Meetings all year.  At the last “Meet the Stars” event of the 2004 Season, Emeritus HOT Board Member Bob Bunn asked me to join the Board. I was surprised and pleased to be asked and agreed.
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HOT: What is the most memorable experience you’ve had with HOT?
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LA: I’ve been a Board Member for 20 years this year, so there are quite a few. Chairing the Ball is one of the highlights. I also loved getting to know the artists and staff, and attending all of the pre and post production events we’ve had. I have a lot of "historical perspective" and "institutional memory" about HOT from the last 20 years.
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HOT: What is your background?
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LA: I grew up in the Northeast. I graduated from Boston University. I moved to Hawaiʻi from New York City many years ago! I love all the arts, classical music, and opera! I taught interior design at UH as an adjunct professor for several years - and volunteered in the Historic Costume Collection at UH years later. I had my own interior design business, specializing in residential. When I started working on fundraisers, I usually did the Silent Auction.
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Thank you to Linn and all of our Board Members for everything you do for HOT!