Rigoletto – Premieres Friday, June 17 at 8 p.m. on PBS 

Check Local Listings

Verdi’s timeless tragedy is reset in 1920s Europe by Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher. 

Baritone Quinn Kelsey portrays the title role at the Met for the first time, starring alongside soprano Rosa Feola as Gilda and tenor Piotr Beczała as the Duke of Mantua, with leading maestro Daniele Rustioni on the podium. Varduhi Abrahamyan plays Maddalena and Andrea Mastroni plays Sparafucile. Hosted by Isabel Leonard.

More than two years after the curtain came down on “The Marriage of Figaro,” opera has finally returned in full throat to Blaisdell Concert Hall with Hawaii Opera Theatre’s production of “Madame Butterfly.”

Opera has deep roots.
Opera has been part of island culture for more than a century. Dating back to the 1850s, there are stories of Queen Emma singing in the chorus of Verdi’s Il Trovatore and her husband, King Kamehameha IV serving as the stage manager. Hawai’i Opera Theatre is proud to ensure that vibrant opera productions continue to captivate audiences of all ages here at home—but, only with the generous support of community members like you.

If you have made a personal connection to opera over the years, please consider participating in the individual giving option that is the best fit for you.

Here are 8 ways you can help us…

Make a tax-deductible donation
Hawai’i Opera Theatre is the only opera company in the State of Hawai’i. Help us continue to serve our community with a fully tax-deductible gift. Click here to donate online or call (808) 596-7372 to make a donation over the phone or download form.

Join one of many professional groups
People from all walks of life are discovering the many ways opera enhances living here in Hawai’i. Whether you are a Physician, Accountant, AIA Architect, Dentist, Lawyer, or Realtor, look around in the community, and you will find opera enthusiasts just like you. Download form.

Plan ahead
The Hawai’i Opera Theatre Legacy Society recognizes and honors those individuals who remember HOT in their estate plans. Learn more.

Get down to business
Companies often partner with Hawai’i Opera Theatre by offering a matching gift or workplace giving program. Ask your employer’s human resources department if they support Hawai’i Opera Theatre. Learn more.

Put stock in the future of performing arts
Hawai’i Opera Theatre accepts gifts of appreciated securities. To learn how to make a gift of stock and obtain stock routing information, please contact Regi Lammers, Director of Development, at 808-683-7225 or r_lammers@hawaiiopera.org.

Give the gift of giving
Don’t know what to give friends or family members who “have everything?” Do they love opera and Hawai’i Opera Theatre? Then consider making a donation to Hawai’i Opera Theatre in their honor to acknowledge a special day: birthday, anniversary, or just because. Donate online by clicking here or you can make a donation by phone by calling (808) 596-7372 or download form.

Make a loving tribute
If you would like to remember someone who loved opera and Hawai’i Opera Theatre during his or her lifetime, you can make a gift in that person’s memory. What a loving tribute it is! Donate online by clicking here, or you can make a donation by calling (808) 596-7372 or download form.

Come party with us
Save the date for the 2024 HOT Opera Ball on Saturday, April 13, at the Sheraton Waikiki! This signature fundraiser ensures that Hawai’i Opera Theatre will continue to be a cultural icon of our community.

Learn more about all the ways to get involved.

The Concert—Originally Scheduled for the End of January—Will Be Held March 11 & 13, 2022

Following Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s latest announcement on capacity restrictions for large indoor events, and in an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our patrons, artists and staff, Hawai‘i Opera Theatre (HOT) has made the decision to postpone Re-Emerging: HOT Live in Concert from January 28 & 30 to March 11 & 13, 2022 at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.

“We take our role within the community as shepherds of live performance very seriously. While we are eager to see opera return to the mainstage, welcoming audiences and artists back safely remains our utmost concern,” shared Andrew Morgan, HOT’s General Director. “After much thought and consideration, postponing the Re-Emerging concert is the best way to maintain our plans for a season of live performances.”

Originally scheduled as the opening production of HOT’s 2022 Season, Re-Emerging celebrates some of the most beloved works of opera and musical theatre in a one-act concert exploring change, renewal, and hope. Inspired by the symbolism of a butterfly, Director Jamie Offenbach set out to give the traditional vocal concert a new twist. “In my opinion, the transformation of a butterfly is the most epic of all the metamorphosis in the animal kingdom, evolving into something so completely different than how it started—and doing so with such dramatic flair!” said Offenbach, HOT’s Artistic Program Officer. “If ever there was a time to be reminded of our need to adapt, grow, and roll with the punches, it would be now. Re-Emerging transports audiences through the journey of a day… out of darkness into the light.”

Under the musical direction of Timothy Shaindlin, audiences will be treated to a selection of arias and songs from Faust, Lakmé, Norma, Rusalka, Samson and Delilah, Sweeney Todd, West Side Story and more, headlined by local-favorite, mezzo-soprano Blythe Iakuinipuaʻokahana Kelsey. The concert also features artists from HOT’s Mae Z. Orvis Opera Studio, many of whom performed in the company’s sold-out performances of I’ll Be Seeing You this past December.

However, audiences will not have to wait long to enjoy an HOT production. The company plans to move forward with the second production of the season—The Tragedy of Carmen, directed by Karen Tiller—serving as the inaugural program of the 2022 season on February 18 & 20 at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.

Single tickets for Re-Emerging: HOT Live in Concert—as well as HOT’s other scheduled productions—start at just $30 and can be purchased at Tickets.HawaiiOpera.Org. Season subscriptions are available by calling the HOT Box Office at (808) 596-7858. Ticket buyers with questions or concerns can contact the HOT Box Office by phone or email at HOTTickets@hawaiiopera.org.

Audience members are required to provide proof of vaccination and photo ID upon entry, with COVID Testing accommodations made for those with protected exemptions. Current audience guidelines to safely welcome patrons back to the theatre can be found on the HOT website at hawaiiopera.org/plan-your-visit.

For Press & Media inquiries, please contact Kristen Lau-Grover, Director of Advancement at k_laugrover@hawaiiopera.org.

While the temperatures may not cool in Hawai’i, the holiday season is quickly approaching! We can’t think of a better way to start the season of giving than #GivingTuesday. Now through the end of 2021, we’re celebrating the continued generosity of our Hawai’i Opera Theatre ‘ohana with numerous ways to show your support.

As loyal patrons of Hawai‘i Opera Theatre, you know better than anyone the integral role that HOT plays in our local community—providing dynamic and innovative programming for more than 10,000 audience members annually, as well as vital exposure to the performing arts and arts education for over 20,000 keiki and their families across the entire state. We are eagerly preparing to raise the curtain on live performances this season with an appreciation for the healing, unifying power of the arts, but we need your help! Ticket sales cover less than half the cost of bringing our opera season to the stage. In addition, HOT relies on the support of volunteers and partner organizations to realize our mission. We invite you to join Hawai’i Opera Theatre in expressing your passion for opera and music-theatre, and encourage our local community to support HOT!

Check out all the ways to give this holiday season!

Donate to Hawai’i Opera Theatre

Become a member of Hawai’i Opera Theatre with a fully tax-deductible gift today! As a member, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re playing an important role in keeping opera thriving in Hawaii. HOT Memberships begin with gifts of $150+ and provide unique benefits to opera & theatre lovers. Explore our various levels of member benefits and see all the ways you can donate below:

• General Donation: Every donation makes a difference and yours truly is the gift that keeps on giving—bringing opera directly into schools statewide and rich stories to life on the stage. Gifts are fully tax-deductible.
• Recurring Gifts: Join our monthly giving program and provide a steady stream of support for HOT’s mainstage productions, education programs, and artist training. Did you know you can become a member for as little as $12.50 a month?
• Matching Gifts: Does your employer sponsor a matching gift program to increase the impact of charitable gifts made by its employees? If so, kindly provide your company’s matching gifts form when you make your donation, and we’ll take care of the rest! Learn more about matching gifts.
• Professional Groups: Are you an accountant, architect, dentist, lawyer, physician, realtor, or other working professional? Join one of our professional groups with a minimum donation of $175 to network among friends and peers as you sponsor important components of the season.
• Gifts of Stocks: Gifts of appreciated securities—stocks, bonds, and mutual funds—can be a wonderful way to make a year-end donation and realize significant tax benefits at the same time. Plus, did you know the IRS allows Qualified Charitable Deductions from IRAs for individuals aged 70 1/2 or older? This means you can donate up to $100,000 ($200,000 for a married couple) directly from your IRA without it being considered taxable income.
• Honorary & Memorial Gifts: Celebrate a special moment in the life friends and family with a meaningful gift in their name. Or make a memorial gift in memory of a loved one. Both will receive special recognition in our programs.
• Legacy Gifts: There are many creative gift planning ideas that can benefit both you and Hawai’i Opera Theatre in your will or trust. Learn more about how you can join Hawai’i Opera Theatre’s Legacy Society.

Make your gift today—donate online or call 808-596-7372 for more information. Did you know you can also donate by text? It’s easy! Text “HOT” to (727) 626-5944 to give today.

Volunteer

HOT relies on a wide range of volunteers to make opera in Hawaiʻi possible. In fact, more than 500 volunteers help us produce our mainstage operas, various productions, and annual Opera Ball gala throughout the year. If you would like to contribute your time, talent and energy to the arts—and enjoy spending time with creative, hard-working crews—consider joining the HOT volunteer network. Volunteers help with make-up, wigs, costumes, special events, archiving, front of house and more. Contact Brandann Hill-Mann at b_hillmann@hawaiiopera.org for more information.

Other Ways to Volunteer:

• Host Housing: One of the most important and rewarding things that you can do to help is opening your home to one of our fabulous opera professionals! If you have a spare guest room, suite, studio or cottage, host housing can be a wonderful and much-needed way to become more involved in our opera productions. You’ll get to know our world-class singers, conductors, and designers; gain a unique behind-the-scenes perspective of the opera world; and support Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre in a truly meaningful way. Contact Brandann Hill-Mann at b_hillmann@hawaiiopera.org or Blythe Kelsey at b_kelsey@hawaiiopera.org to learn more.
  • Up to four weeks of accommodations.
  • Comfortable and private room, preferably with an en-suite or private bathroom, WiFi Internet, and kitchen privileges.
  • Hosts receive a free pair of tickets to a performance and other perks.
• HOT Chorus: The Hawaii Opera Theatre Chorus, directed by Nola A. Nahulu, is made up of a wonderful community of singers who come from all walks of life: doctors, professors, biologists, botanists, teachers, homemakers, contractors, lawyers, accountants, retirees, students, and more. Learn more about chorus auditions.
• In-Kind Support: Have a service you’d like to share, product you’d like to donate, or are looking to partner with HOT? Contact Kristen Lau-Grover at k_laugrover@hawaiiopera.org to explore other opportunities.

Shop For A Cause

Did you know you could be giving back with the purchases you make? Shop new & gently used designer and luxury clothing, accessories, and household items every Thursday from 10am-3pm at ACT II, located at Hawai’i Opera Plaza. All proceeds support HOT.

Doing your holiday shopping online?
Choose Hawaii Opera Theatre as your favorite charity to support via Amazon Smile!

Share Your Experience

Word of mouth is a powerful tool and it’s never been easier to connect HOT with your friends and family! See how you can continue to support HOT, at no cost to you:

• Follow us and tag @HawaiiOperaTheatre on Instagram and @HawaiiOpera on Facebook and Twitter in your posts! Plus like, comment, save, and share HOT’s social media content with your followers.
• Leave us a review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook after seeing one of our performances!
• Forward HOT’s email newsletters to a friend! Haven’t subscribed to our emails? Contact us to sign up!
• Forgoing gifts this season? Create a fundraiser for Hawai’i Opera Theatre on Facebook, or share HOT’s donate button on your Instagram stories!

Orvis Young Voices Studio Artists Receive Important Lessons In Fight Choreography From Master Instructor Tony Pisculli

With national conversations around safety and consent in the entertainment industry, teaching the art of stage combat has never been more important. Over the weekend, students of the Orvis Young Voices Studio received an introduction to the world of fight choreography from none other than Dueling Arts International Master Instructor, Tony Pisculli. Tony, who has been teaching stage combat and choreographing fights for over 20 years, has worked with every major theatre on Oahu—including Hawai‘i Opera Theatre.

Together with his assistant Kathryn Lee, Tony led our young artists through a hands-on workshop in Broadsword work, beginning with a brief warm up and culminating in drills of Moulinet and Parry 5 between distanced partners. Among the technical instruction he provided were tips of the trade, like using a ‘shaka’ away from the heart to the tip of the sword as a measurement for safe distance with partners. Emphasizing that storytelling happens in the body, Tony coached the students in shifting weight and energy—creating long lines through the body that extend beyond the sword—demonstrating commitment and intention of movement. He also prioritized clear eye contact between partners, not only to convey story, but also for safety. But above all, Tony instilled a very important lesson for our young artists—speak up and use your voice!

Consent is a crucial component to the art of stage combat. Though the goal is to create the illusion of violence to tell a story—not actually recreate violence—even those illusions can be dangerous or feel uncomfortable at times. Tony stressed the importance for all artists, whether young students or seasoned-professionals, to feel safe emotionally and physically. He shared that sometimes it feels harder to say NO or STOP when on set or in rehearsal. Instead, he introduced two valuable industry terms that can be used to create a safe environment for all—HOLD and BUTTON.

HOLD is used when a situation feels dangerous and needs to stop immediately before someone gets hurt. BUTTON is used to take a pause when there is a concern that needs to be addressed before someone feels comfortable to proceed. Before our young artists even picked up a sword, they practiced using these terms to communicate their needs with each other. It was a small but important piece of the workshop that will prepare our artists to encounter situations both on and off the stage with the tools to ensure their safety and well being.

Mahalo nui loa to Tony and Kathryn for leading our students in this exciting workshop!