Monthly Archives: August 2014

I’m HOT

Throughout the years, HOT has been active in sharing opera with the community here in Hawaii and building our Ohana of Opera-goers!

This past season, in effort to engage the millennial generation, the #HOTHAWAII themed events were born.  These events included the very successful HOT Tuesday, HOT Friday, and HOT Previews, which were held at popular venues around Honolulu including The Arts at Mark’s Garage, Honolulu Club, & the Interisland Terminal’s Kaka’ako Agora, and introduced the opera to new Patrons.

HOT will continue to share Opera with our existing Patrons while also reaching out to the next generation of Opera Lovers through events such as these.  We are also undertaking new ventures!

In the coming Season, HOT is working in collaboration with Kamehameha Schools to stage the modern opera, Siren Song, amidst the painted walls of Kaka’ako in a new venue.

Thank you for supporting HOT!  Without you, we would not be able to bring world-class opera to Hawaii and create the excitement that’s building about our Company!

Just check out the I’m HOT campaign to see the buzz for yourself!

This is Ara Feducia, the Creative Director for Nella Media Group. She oversees the look and feel of numerous titles that reach hundreds of thousands of people every year. In her spare time, she teaches graphic design at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She’s an avid supporter of the Local Arts and Culture and promotes events focused on youth activation. However, she’s never been to the opera. This Opera Season, that’s about to change.
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An accomplished artist, photographer, & curator of all things epic, you’d be hard pressed to find someone who didn’t have something great to say about AJ Feducia. And while there’s no disputing his accomplishments & persona – the man’s got a wit sharper than a ginsu knife & has held multiple art exhibits – we were able to find a fault in AJ; he’s never been to the opera. But this Opera Season, that’s about to change.
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Lisa Yamada just may be one of the city’s most influential young women. As the Founder and Editor in Chief of the much-heralded Flux Hawaii Magazine and the Editorial Director for Nella Media Group, Lisa helps share the public’s view of what’s happening in the islands. Whether it’s a fashion show, convert, or art exhibit opening, Lisa’s always in the mix and in the know. However, she’s never been to the opera. But this Opera Season, that’s about to change.
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Meet Bradley Rhea, he knows a thing or two about style. As the Co-Owner of Barrio Vintage in Chinatown and a Stylist whose work has appeared in numerous magazines, Bradley’s developed a keen eye for what’s HOT. Although Bradley’s always been on top of what’s happening in the world of Music, Fashion, and the Arts, he’s never been to the opera. But this Opera Season, that’s about to change.

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Crafty, talented, and as hip as they come, Aly Ishikuni is undoubtedly one of the most creative people in Honolulu. She cofounded the ever popular Art and Flea Event, sings for the band Alt/Air, and is an accomplished stylist. But there’s only one thing Aly hasn’t done and that’s attend the opera. But this Opera Season, that’s about to change.
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Sign Up for the Anne Namba Fashion Show

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Join HOT on Sunday, September 28 from 11a to 2p as renowned designer Anne Namba presents a fashion show featuring a special collection for men and women in anticipation of the upcoming HOT season and opera ball.

You will also have the opportunity to be the first to preview HOT’s production of Madam Butterfly!

Register online here!

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Hawaii Opera Theatre presents “It’s a Grand Night for Singing”

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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

New Additions to Hawaii Opera Theatre’s Board of Directors

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Honolulu, Hawaii Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT) held its Annual Meeting for Members on July 30, 2014, at the Pacific Club.  Board Chairman Jim McCoy presented eight new members for election to the Board of Directors.  The meeting included a review of the past season from HOT’s Artistic Director Henry Akina and Executive Director Simon Crookall.

HOT experienced a very successful year artistically, with three acclaimed productions on Oahu and made its return to Maui for the first time in eight years. Financially, the company saw significant growth in ticket sales by 31%, which resulted in an increase of income by 21%. The company also experienced a rise in support from the community, with contributed income growing to $1.1 million.  Of note, HOT was able to reduce expenses by 11% from the previous fiscal year.

The new HOT Board Members are:

Mangmang Qiu Brown – Born in Beijing, Ms. Brown graduated from the Peking University School of Economics and then received her MBA and JD at the University of Hawaii.  After practicing law, she joined the University of Hawaii Foundation, with responsibility for International Engagement and latterly with the East-West Center Foundation.

Kasumi Hara – Ms. Hara is an interior designer born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Upon graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, she moved to New York City to work for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.  She later changed career paths and became an interior designer working in NYC and San Francisco before returning to Honolulu.  She is also an accomplished oboist.

Lynne Johnson – Ms. Johnson has an MBA from the University of Hawaii and has worked as a School Teacher, Curriculum Planner, and Development Director.  In 1991, she began her study of musicology and in 2009, she received her PhD in Musicology from the University of Hawaii.  She has taught Music History at UH for 12 years and is heavily involved in community service.

Keith Kalway – Originally from Minnesota, Mr. Kalway obtained a graduate degree in Education before spending 35 years as an educator with St. Paul Public Schools.  During his tenure, he worked as a Vice President for middle school mathematics and led the Mathematics Institutes for Teachers through the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation.  He also cofounded the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus.

Ada Mei – Ms. Mei, a native of Beijing earned her Master’s in Industrial Engineering at the University of Minnesota. She has worked as an engineer for computer companies, as a Senior Advisory Engineer for IBM, and has produced a Chinese Opera at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Jeff Pauker – Mr. Pauker is Director, Acquisitions at A&B Properties.  Mr. Pauker’s responsibilities include the identification and consummation of investments in Hawaii real estate assets.  Prior to joining A&B, Mr. Pauker was an attorney for a global law firm in San Francisco.  He is a magna cum laude graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School.

Nigel Pentland – A long-time resident of London, Mr. Pentland has a BA from the University of Liverpool and an MBA from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.  He worked for 25 years in financial markets across the world and is now an investor in public and private markets, including several recent start-up companies.

Stephen Turner – Born in Wisconsin, Mr. Turner grew up in Chicago and received a MS from the University of South Dakota.  In 1966, he joined Marketing Research Corporation of America (Chicago).  He has worked as a Research Manager at Amoco, Hamms Beer, and Coca-Cola USA and has held a variety of high-level roles at numerous marketing agencies.

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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

 

 

HOT’s Annual Meeting Update

On July 30, 2014, Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT) held its Annual Meeting for Members at the Pacific Club.  During the meeting, the HOT Board of Director’s met to vote on its Officers for the upcoming year and elected new Board Members, which includes Mangmang Brown, Kasumi Hara, Lynne Johnson, Keith Halway, Ada Mei, Jeff Pauker, Nigel Pentland, and Stephen Turner. Members also enjoyed a presentation from HOT Artistic Director Henry Akina and Executive Director Simon Crookall.

HOT experienced a successful year artistically, with three acclaimed productions on Oahu and made its return to Maui for the first time in eight years. Financially, the company saw significant growth in ticket sales by 31%, which resulted in an increase of income by 21%.

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HOT Online sales grew greatly, from $40,091 to $133,836.50.

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Total online sales (i.e. TicketMaster and Promotions) grew from $63,361 to $201,845.41.

The company also experienced a rise in support from the community, with contributed income growing to $1.1 million.

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Of note, HOT was able to reduce expenses by 11% from the previous fiscal year.

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For a full breakdown of financial highlights, review  the charts below:

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