Monthly Archives: November 2013

HOT Presents Subject to Change starring Sylvia McNair

For Immediate Release

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 Hawaii Opera Theatre announces Subject to Change starring Sylvia McNair

Honolulu, Hawaii Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT) announces Subject to Change, a Concert starring the Grammy Award winning Soprano, Sylvia McNair, on January 12, 2014, at 4:00pm in the Historic Hawaii Theatre.

A two-time Grammy Award winner and regional Emmy Award winner, Ms. McNair has had a musical career spanning three decades in opera, oratorio, cabaret, and musical theater.  Her journey has taken her to some of the biggest stages in the world.  She has been invited to sing with the Vienna Philharmonic for Pope John Paul II at The Vatican and a recital for The U.S. Supreme Court by special request of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

Subject to Change, a musical autobiography, draws inspiration from the Great American Songbook and refers to the singer’s transformation from opera and oratorio to cabaret and musical theatre.  Ms. McNair has performed this program at venues and festivals across the United States.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Hawaii Theatre Box Office.  Prices range from $25  – $50. A $5 discount will apply for select groups including HOT subscribers, Hawaii Theatre Center members, Military Service Members & Students with ID, and Youth (ages 4-17 yrs. old).   A special VIP ticket is also on-sale for the opportunity to enjoy a Meet and Greet Reception with Ms. McNair at Hawaii Theatre following the performance.

Tickets can be bought online by visiting www.hawaiitheatre.com or by calling the Hawaii Theatre Box Office at (808) 725-4911.  The Hawaii Theatre Box Office is open Tuesday through Saturday during the hours of 9:00am – 5:00pm.

For all other inquiries regarding this event, please contact Hawaii Opera Theatre at (808) 596-7372 ext. 211.  Photos of Ms. McNair are also available upon request.

Media Contact:  Jason M.A. Walter | 808-596-7372 ext. 211 | j_walter@hawaiiopera.org

1 Sylvia Hi Res Favorite Rony Ely Photog

 

 

Hawaii’s Own – Quinn Kelsey

Quinn Kelsey in HOT's Turandot (2005)

One of HOT’s favorite Baritones, Quinn Kelsey, has been making headlines around the world, with the recent announcement of his role in the English National Opera’s new presentation of Verdi’s masterpiece, Rigoletto.

Quinn, cast as the opera’s title character, is no stranger to the role, having performed as Rigoletto on many stages.  This particular production, directed by Christopher Alden, is a very new variation of the opera classic.

Quinn started in Opera with HOT as a Chorus Member in 1991.  A Member of the Orvis Opera Studio, he went on to study at some of the most prestigious programs in the world, and the Baritone has only seen his stock rise since.

Quinn has graced the stage as a Chorus Member of HOT countless times and his soloist roles began when he was cast as Melot in Tristan & Isolde (2000).  He has also portrayed Marcello in La bohème (2003), Ping & The Mandarin in Turandot (2005), Sharpless in Madama Butterfly (2007), and was most recently seen with HOT as Amonsaro in Aida (2011).

In addition to his roles as a soloist in Opera, he has also performed in a number of concerts/oratorio in Hawaii, which includes Fauré’s Requiem with the Maui Symphony (2002), Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, in D minor, with Honolulu Symphony & Honolulu Symphony Chorus (2008), Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, Honolulu Symphony & Honolulu Symphony Chorus (2009), and Recital Concert, Hawaii Theatre Center (2010).

For more information about Quinn Kelsey, visit his official website at:

http://www.quinnkelsey.com/

Ahui hou Quinn!  Until then, from your HOT ohana, imua!

 

Great Singers, Great Songs with Mark Morash

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:  Jason M.A. Walter | 808-596-7372 ext. 211 | j_walter@hawaiiopera.org

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Hawaii Opera Theatre presents Great Singers, Great Songs with Mark Morash

Honolulu, Hawaii Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT) presents Great Singers, Great Songs, a Concert featuring Mark Morash, of the San Francisco Opera Center, on December 20 & 21 at 700p in the HOT Rehearsal Hall.

Mark Morash is a conductor and pianist originally from Dartmouth Nova Scotia, Canada. At the San Francisco Opera Center, Mr. Morash is the Director of Musical Studies and has overseen productions with the Merola Opera Program and Western Opera Theatre.  As a collaborative pianist, his performances have taken him throughout North America, Japan and Russia.

Mr. Morash will be in Hawaii to coach at the Mae Z. Orvis Opera Studio, offered through HOT’s Education Program.  Select Singers of the Orvis Opera Studio are chosen to participate.  The Singers will be coached and take part in a program led by Mr. Morash, a professional from one of the world’s most noted operatic training programs.  The two weeks of work culminates with two public concerts.

Founded in 1998 by HOT’s Artistic Director, Henry Akina, the Opera Studio provides training and performance experiences, which include classes and seminars in movement, musical style, language, repertoire coaching and vocal master classes.  Studio Members are Hawaii residents who are divided into several categories based on several criteria.  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 was recently announced as the title character in the English National Opera’s new presentation of Verdi’s classic, Rigoletto.

Great Singers, Great Songs is a free event offered by HOT and will be held December 20 & 21, 2013, 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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Opera Ball Highlights

On Saturday, November 16, 2013, Hawaii Opera Theatre hosted a fabulous Opera Ball celebration at ‘East Meets East’ in the Hawaii Ballrooms of the Sheraton Waikiki.  On hand to take part in the festivities were a number of who’s who in the island community including Governor Neil Abercrombie, Hawaii’s Ambassador of Aloha, Danny Kaleikini, and many more!

Relive the memories and look at event highlights below!

The HOT Opera Ball is here!

Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT) hosts its largest fundraiser of the year, the HOT Opera Ball, this Saturday, November 16, 2013 at the Sheraton Waikiki – Hawaii Ballrooms.  There will be a number of exciting festivities, including the Silent Auction.

Preview the catalog online now.

HOT Executive Director Simon Crookall was on KITV earlier this week.  Simon spoke with Lauren Yamada about the Opera Ball and HOT’s Education Program, a service that directly benefits from the support that fundraisers such as these generates.

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You can view the video online here: The HOT Opera Ball.  Lauren raved about HOT’s production of Turandot and what can we say, there’s much to cheer on when it comes to HOT!

In closing, we hope to see you at Opera Ball.  Here’s some ‘Flashback Friday’ fun to whet your appetite…

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Opera Ball – Silent Auction Preview

Opera Ball is knocking on the door!

We hope that you will be joining HOT for ‘The Best Party in Town’ this Saturday, November 16, 2013, at the Sheraton Waikiki for the festivities!

Each year, one of the highlights of the event is the Silent Auction, which will be running from 600p-900p at the event. You can preview the Silent Auction catalog online now!

We are looking forward to enjoying ‘The Best Party in Town’ with you this weekend!

Shop on Amazon & Smile for HOT

Just in time for the Holidays, now you can enjoy shopping and giving back to your favorite non-profit organization at the same time!

Just click here the next time you are looking for something online, log-in to Amazon Smile via your Amazon and shop.  It’s that easy, you surf, choose what you wish, and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of all your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Hawaii Opera Theatre whenever you shop using AmazonSmile.

Thank you and have a HOT time while you ‘smile’ the next to you shop on Amazon!

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Opera in Film – Moby Dick & Nabucco

Opera Lovers!  Take advantage of the opportunity to see the Opera as a moving picture at the Doris Duke Theatre and in the comfort of your home in the next few days!

PBS Great Performances: Moby Dick

‘That she blows!’  The Great White Whale swims into your living rooms tonight, November 1, 2013, for this edition of Great Performances featuring Moby Dick starring Tenor Jay Hunter Morris, who recently performed with HOT in our production of Turandot.

This is scheduled to air tonight at 9p on PBS Hawaii Channel 10 & 11 & PBS Hawaii HD – Oceanic Cable Channel 10.10.

Ballet & Opera in Cinema: Nabucco

The Honolulu Museum of Art continues its Ballet & Opera in Cinema Series with Nabucco at the Doris Duke Theatre this Sunday and next Tuesday.

This performance was held on February 13, 2013 at Teatro alla Scala, Milan, directed by Daniele Abbado, and is sung in Italian.  Tickets are available for $20 ($18 for Members).

 

Hakuna Matata! HOT’s got ya!

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Many benefits come with being a Subscriber to the HOT Season including… specially priced tickets to the Disney’s The Lion King! 

These tickets are available to current HOT Subscribers and Members at a group rate for the performance on February 18, 2014!  Join the HOT group (ohana) on February 18 and enjoy these special rates:

Tuesday, February 18 at 730p*

      • Premium Package (Orch Rows CC-H)  $158.00
      • Orchestra (excluding premium seats) $78.00
      • Balcony (Rows A-M) $78.00
      • Balcony (Rows N-Q) $69.00
      • Balcony (Rows R-S) $34.00
*Prices reflect 10% savings on applicable sections.

Premium Packages includes:

  • Best seats in the theatre
  • Commemorative souvenir program
  • Complimentary VIP show merchandise item

Performances will be held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall

Call (808)593-9468 or email hottickets@hawaiiopera.org

No refunds or exchanges.  Prices include applicable fees.  Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers.  Performance prices, dates, times, and costs are subject to change.