Monthly Archives: August 2015

HOT About Town: HOT Media Updates

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The Press Can’t Get HOT Enough!

From a glowing review of Opera at the LoftsHawaii Public Radio’s coverage of the Opera Residency at Niu Valley Middle School (pictured above), & Opera America recognition HOT’s graphic designs alongside that of The Metropolitan & Vancouver Opera Companies, it’s been a media coverage dream come true this Summer!

Here’s an update of some other recent highlights and stay tuned for what’s sure to be another juicy & HOT 2015-16 Opera Season!

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This Week in Style with

The MidWeek!

Be sure to check out Yushing Ting’s Style spread on ACT II in this week’s edition of the MidWeek!

Don’t miss ACT II! This has become THE SALE awaited by all fashion enthusiasts! This year, HOT takes ACT II to 445 Cooke Street, where Siren Song was held.

Join HOT for a special ACT II Preview Night on August 27, 2015, from 5:30pm to 9:00pm and enjoy cocktails & pupus while being the first to see this year’s collection!  $50/person. To RSVP, call Zack Naquin at 596-7372 ext. 200.

ACT II will be open to the public:

Friday, August 28 (10:00am – 6:00pm) / Saturday, August 29 (10:00am – 5:00pm) / Sunday, August 30 (10:00am – 2:00pm)

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Pacific Business News Goes HOT!

HOT’s success over the last two years & new GenHOT initiative were highlighted in two recent Pacific Business News articles (scroll below to read).

The organization also took part in a cover story that will be released soon featuring GenHOT and was named as a finalist for Hawaii’s Best Workplace!

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Read the full article online: Hawaii Opera Theatre on attracting the next generation

Last year’s Opera Ball featured the first GenHOT experience (pictured above)!

At this year’s Annual Meeting, GenHOT was formally introduced as the GenHOT Associate Board, a young advisory group to HOT! Learn a little bit more about GenHOT in this PBN article featuring GenHOT co-chair Jeff Pauker:At this year’s Annual Meeting, GenHOT was formally introduced as the GenHOT Associate Board, a young advisory group to HOT! Learn a little bit more about GenHOT in this PBN article link above featuring GenHOT co-chair and 40 Under 40 c/o 2015 Member, Jeff Pauker.

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Keep Up With HOT on Social Media!

If you love getting your wireless fix of HOT, please Like HOT on Facebook, Follow @HawaiiOpera on Twitter, and double-tap @hawaiioperatheatre on Instagram.  Just click the icons below and you will receive HOT updates throughout the week!

OR SCROLL DOWN… On the HOT website and get the most recent updates right there!

Thanks for supporting HOT! Please share the Opera with your friends by forwarding this message! Your membership contributions help to support the future of opera & arts in Hawaii! Mahalo for your support!

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The HOT Report from Santa Fe: Salome

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Narraboth, Jochanaan and Salome

HOT Executive Director Simon Crookall saw Ryan McKinny star in Salome yesterday at Santa Fe. McKinney dazzled audiences in Honolulu and continues to be triumphant. Read for more:

Although the Prophet Jochanaan undoubtedly loses his head in Strauss’s decadent opera Salome, baritone Ryan McKinny, who made such an impression in Hawaii last season as the Dutchman, kept his own head last night and gave an incredible performance as John the Baptist.  Ryan’s powerful and mellifluous baritone soared out of the pit in which Jochanaan is imprisoned, and filled the opera house.

This was a strong cast throughout, with Alex Penda giving an impressive performance as the voluptuous Salome, though the staging of her Dance of the Seven Veils was less than seductive.  Robert Brubaker as the sleazy King Herod and Michaela Martens as his “incestuous bride” Herodias also gave fine performances, as did The young tenor, Brian Jagde in the role of Narraboth.

But the biggest star of the evening was conductor, David Robertson, whose masterly control of the huge orchestra brought this dramatic and passionate score to life. Another fine production from Santa Fe Opera.

Pacific Business News: Ticket sales, revenue rises for Hawaii Opera Theatre

Pacific Business News featured a story today by Journalist Lorin Eleni Gill about Hawaii Opera Theatre’s recent success and the creation of the GenHOT Associate Board!  Toi, toi, toi to HOT and a very huge thank you to all of our patrons, supporters, volunteers, HOT Board, & of course the Staff who have come together to make this happen!

Read the full story online now!

HOT Favorite Jay Hunter Morris in Jennifer Higdon’s Cold Mountain

Jay Hunter Morris Cold Mountain

HOT’s Executive Director Simon Crookall witnessed the debut of Jennifer Higdon’s Cold Mountain last night, which featured Hawaii’s honorary second son, Jay Hunter Morris (pictured with Jennifer Higdon). Simon had this to say:

It was thrilling to be at the premiere of Jennifer Higdon’s Cold Mountain last night. Based on the best selling novel of Charles Frazier, the opera deals with the tortuous journey of Confederate soldier W P Inman, as he travels back to his beloved Ada in Cold Mountain, North Carolina.  

As the leader of the Home Guard, Teague, Hawaii favorite, Jay Hunter Morris, oozed evil from every pore, singing with his customary lyricism and power.  In the lead roles, Nathan Gunn and Isabel Leonard were outstanding.  

In her first opera, the Pullitzer prize winning composer, Jennifer Higdon, created an evocative and lush score which brought this tragic human tale into sharp focus.  The rich choruses which formed the highlight of each act were powerful and emotional.  (Jennifer won the Pullitzer prize for her Violin Concerto, which I co-commissioned for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.)

Hawaii’s Own Quinn Kelsey Thrills Audiences at Santa Fe Opera

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HOT’s Executive Director was on hand to see HOT Orvis Studio alum & Ohana member Baritone Quinn Kelsey make his debut with the Santa Fe Opera as Rigoletto.  Simon had this to share:

Quinn Kelsey totally commanded the stage in his debut with Santa Fe Opera as Rigoletto in a new production by the English director, Lee Blakeley.

Quinn has made this role his own in a succession of productions from London to Chicago, and his ability to engage the audience’s heartfelt sympathy in this initially wicked, but ultimately tragic character makes sense of a challenging plot initially conceived by Victor Hugo.

Quinn was supported by a strong cast including Georgia Jarman as Gilda and Bruce Sledge as the Duke.  Despite a somewhat confusing set and constantly revolving stage, Quinn drew our attention and took his rightful place at the center of the opera. The standing ovation from the crowd confirmed Quinn’s “sensational” performance.

And from Charles T. Downey’s review in The Classic Review:

Baritone Quinn Kelsey made a sensation company debut in the title role, with a powerhouse voice that was also capable of luscious tenderness, as in the second act ensemble where he begs the court to let him see his abducted daughter, Gilda (“Pietà, signori”).  His was a brutish, hulking Rigoletto, with desperate anger roiling inside him, costumed in a large bowler hat capping his mop of curly hair and lopsided shoes accentuating his limp.  Subtlety of interpretation could be improved, for example, in differentiating some of the repeated lines, like “Quel vecchio maledivami!”

Audiences light up each time Quinn takes the stage and HOT is happy & proud of all that he has accomplished. Toi, toi, toi!

Hawaii Opera Theatre’s highlights Annual Meeting with achievements & new, young Associate Board

Honolulu, Hawaii Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT) held its Annual Meeting for Members on Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at the Pacific Club.  The meeting included a vote for new board members, the slate of officers, the creation of a new young advisory group, & a presentation by HOT’s Artistic Director Henry Akina and Executive Director Simon Crookall.

Starting their first term as HOT Board Members: Sherry Broder, a faculty member of the University of Hawaii Law School & Executive Director of the Jon Van Dyke Institute, and Linda Nelson, a financial consultant for Aloha United Way who formerly worked for Dupont.  They join a diverse & talented Board of Directors, helmed by Jim McCoy, who was recognized earlier this year as one of Opera America’s Trustees of the Year at a ceremony in New York City.

HOT also introduced its first members of the GenHOT Associate Board, an advisory group made up of individuals age 40 & younger who have committed to giving $500 to the organization each year.  The group is led by HOT Board Members, Jeff Pauker & Kasumi Hara.  Pauker, a PBN 2015 40 Under 40 Class Member, is a Vice-President of Acquisitions with Alexander & Baldwin and Hara works as an Interior Designer with the local architecture firm, J. Hara & Associates.  Under their leadership, the GenHOT group introduces in its first members:  Natalie Banach, Reed Bowman, Rachel Gibson, David Okamoto, Peter Phillips, Megan Takagi, Nicole Velasco, & Lauren Williams.  This influential young group comes from all industries and includes a member of Mayor Caldwell’s cabinet in Velasco, who leads the Honolulu Neighborhood Board Commission.

HOT experienced another exceptional year artistically, with three acclaimed productions from around the world brought to Honolulu and staged at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.  The company also broke new ground when it staged the contemporary opera Siren Song outside of the Concert Hall at a warehouse in Kaka’ako, which was modified into a temporary performance space.  The Star-Advertiser review of the experiences stated: ”Anyone who misses Siren Song will regret it for years.”

Financially, the company continued its growth in ticket sales, a movement that began last year, reaching over $1 million in revenue (+7%) for the first time in many years. The company also experienced a rise in support from the community, with contributed income growing to $1.2 million (+17%).

HOT’s Education & Outreach Team brought 74 performances of its Opera Express Program to students on four islands.  This past year’s Opera Express showcased a condensed production of The Pirates of Penzance and the cast was comprised of Orvis Opera Studio Members.  HOT Education & Outreach also held 4 Opera Residencies on the island of Oahu.  The Residency program provides an opportunity for a school to transform into an opera company, where students are the cast, creators, and producers of an opera for their community.  This year also saw the creation of the Orvis Young Voices Studio, which provides Hawaii’s young singers (grades 7-12) the opportunity to explore and develop in solo voice performance.

When the 2015-16 Opera Season officially opens in October with Mozart’s The Magic Flute, HOT will record an increase in Subscribers for the first time since 1999.   Declining subscription sales is a trend that has impacted Arts companies across the United States and HOT is delighted to see growth in the support of the opera and arts in Honolulu.

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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, HOT offers opera to almost 18,000 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 Hawaii; 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 partners with the Hawaii Symphony.  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.

Hawaii Opera Theatre presents ACT II: A Fashion Reprise 2015 in Kaka’ako

Honolulu, Hawaii Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT) presents a fashionable way for patrons to support a local non-profit organization through its fundraising event, Act II.

This event provides the opportunity to shop for couture and designer apparel, handbags, shoes, jewelry, art, home accents, and more with the proceeds going to service the non-profit organization.  HOT receives the goods for ACT II from the generous donations of its Supporters.   Many of the items are brand new and still have price tags on them.  Our last event raised over $50,000, and we are now moving to a new venue at 445 Cooke Street (where Night Market is held)

For anyone interested in getting first pick at browsing and shopping the collection, a Special Preview Evening will be held.  The preview event includes pupus & wine and will be held on August 27, from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.  Cost to attend the Special Preview Evening event is $50 per person.  RSVP with Zack Naquin at (808) 596-7372 ext. 200.  Space is limited.

ACT II opens to the public on August 28 (10:00am – 6:00pm), August 29 (10:00am – 5:00pm) and concludes on August 30 (10:00am – 2:00pm).

ACT II will be held at 445 Cooke Street.  Parking available at the lot on 555 South Street and street parking where available.

For more information about Act Act II, please call HOT at (808) 596-7372, or email hotopera@hawaiiopera.org.

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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, HOT offers opera to almost 18,000 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 Hawaii; 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 partners with the Hawaii Symphony.  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.

Double your Donation: Give Aloha & Support HOT!

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This September, Foodland is hosting its Annual Fundraising Drive to Give Aloha, an opportunity to support your favorite non-profit organization, throughout the month.

For every $1 you donate (up to $249), Foodland and Western Union Foundation will match each donation up to a total of $350,000. The proceeds will be distributed to all of the non-profits participating.  Since the program began in 1999, over $23 million has been raised for Hawaii’s charities!

Please make your donation to Hawaii Opera Theatre at any Foodland, Sack N Save or Foodland Farms checkout, and Foodland and the Western Union Foundation will make a donation to our organization, too! 

Please spread the word, support this great cause, and remember to select Hawaii Opera Theatre! Please mention organization code, 77600, when making your HOT donation!

You can learn more about this program at Foodland’s website.

How to Give Aloha:

1) Show your Maika’i Card (or apply on the spot) and make a donation (up to $249 per person) to our organization at any Foodland, Sack N Save or Foodland Farms checkout from September 1-30, 2015.

2) Foodland and the Western Union Foundation will match all donations up to a total of at least $300,000 for all organizations combined.

3) Please let us know your name, the amount, and the store where you made the donation so we can send you a thank you letter! Call (808) 596-7372 or email z_naquin@hawaiiopera.org.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!