Honolulu, Hawaii – Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT) presents “It’s a Grand Night for Singing,” a Concert featuring Soprano Jill Gardner and Baritone Jake Gardner on August 20 & 21 at 700p in the HOT Rehearsal Hall.
Described by Opera News as having an “effortlessly produced, rich voice,” Soprano Jill Gardner returns to Hawaii, where she was last seen on stage with Hawaii Opera Theatre in the 2012-2013 Season Finale of Tosca, her signature role. Known in performances around the world, Baritone Jake Gardner is sought after for his singing and acting ability. Mr. Gardner starred in HOT’s 2011 production of La Traviata.
The Gardners are here in Hawaii to work with members of the Mae Z. Orvis Opera Studio, a program offered through HOT’s Education & Outreach. Select singers from the Orvis Opera Studio have been chosen to participate. The singers receive coaching and will take part in the concerts featuring performances by the Gardners.
Founded in 1998 by HOT’s Artistic Director, Henry Akina, the Mae S. Orvis Opera Studio provides training and performance experiences, which include classes and seminars in movement, musical style, language, repertoire coaching and vocal master classes. In the past year, HOT has brought to Hawaii Grammy Award-Winning Soprano Sylvia McNair, San Francisco Opera’s Mark Morash, and Conductor Tim Shaindlin for master classes and vocal & performance coaching.
Members of the studio have gone on to be cast in HOT performances and productions with companies around the world. Of note, Quinn Kelsey, a Native Hawaiian Baritone and former Orvis Opera Studio participant has received rave reviews for his performance in the title role of the English National Opera’s new presentation of Verdi’s classic, Rigoletto.
“It’s a Gand Night for Singing” is a free event offered by HOT and will be held August 20 & 21, 2014, starting at 7pm in the Hawaii Opera Theatre Rehearsal Hall, located at 780 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96813.
Both on street and limited parking are available at Hawaii Opera Plaza (848 S. Beretania Street). Seating is limited. Please call 808-596-7372 to RSVP.
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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. Resident Ensemble takes operas specially adapted operas, into elementary and middle schools with special tours to all neighbor islands. HOT’s Mini 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.
Media Contact: Jason M.A. Walter | 808-596-7372 ext. 211 | j_walter@hawaiiopera.org
