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!

HOT Celebrates World Opera Day on October 25^th 

In celebration of World Opera Day, Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre (HOT) is excited to announce tickets for the 2022 season are now on sale as HOT prepares to welcome audiences back to live performances at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in February.

World Opera Day is celebrated annually on this day, the birthday of Georges Bizet and Johann Strauss II, composers of possibly the world’s most famous opera and operetta. It is a day when opera companies, along with artists, opera lovers, and opera professionals show and celebrate the value of the art form. Like many opera companies around America, Hawai‘i Opera Theatre has embraced the spirit of metamorphosis as opera returns to the stage. HOT’s commitment to creating a captivating season which is artistically satisfying, yet scaled to be adapted to current safety protocols, continues their legacy of engaging the brightest rising stars of the opera world.

Enjoy all of the drama and passion of the opera at a price you can afford—single tickets start at just $30 for any of our mainstage performances. Plus, the more opera you see, the more you save! Hawai‘i Opera Theatre season subscribers have access to the best seats at the lowest prices. In addition to guaranteed savings of up to 21% over individual ticket prices, subscribers receive exclusive benefits like a 25% discount on additional single tickets, unlimited ticket exchanges, priority access to HOT events and productions, and much more. Season subscriptions start at just $81 for all three performances and go up to $318 for premium seats. Click here to learn more.

Single tickets are on sale now at Tickets.HawaiiOpera.Org. Season subscriptions are available by calling the HOT Box Office at (808) 596-7858. 

Get Tickets

2022 Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre Season

The Tragedy of Carmen
February 18 & 20, 2022

Peter Brook’s gripping adaptation brings Bizet’s opera back to its origins of sexual intrigue, power, and complexity. In this distilled 90-minute production, Carmen’s embrace of her dark fate is elevated from an act of submission to an assertion of power. Karen Tiller returns to direct the HOT debuts of Ashley Dixon as Carmen, Kyle van Schoonhoven as Don José, Christian Pursell as Escamillo, and Maria Valdes as Micaëla, with Emily Senturia conducting.

Re-Emerging: HOT Live in Concert
March 11 & 13, 2022

HOT’s one-act exploration of change, renewal, and hope is told through your favorite arias, duets, and ensembles from opera and musical theater. Directed by HOT Artistic Program Officer Jamie Offenbach, with musical direction by Timothy Shaindlin and narration by award-winning recording artist Aaron J. Sāla, this inviting program will take audiences through the journey of a day and the metamorphosis of a butterfly in this return to live opera.

Madame Butterfly
April 8, 10 & 12, 2022

In a grand return to the stage, Hawai‘i Opera Theatre closes the season with a full-scale production of the opera that started it all for HOT, Madame Butterfly. Puccini’s iconic work will be directed by Gregory Keller with conductor Benjamin Makino. Audiences will be treated to a visual masterpiece of Japanese-inspired costumes by local designer Anne Namba.

Ticket buyers with questions or concerns can contact the HOT Box Office by phone or email at HOTTickets@hawaiiopera.org. Current audience guidelines to safely welcome patrons back to the theatre can be found on the HOT website at hawaiiopera.org/plan-your-visit.

Have you seen our Mele Video Series on HOT Digital? 

If not, click here and start watching the very talented performers from our Mae Z. Orvis Opera Studio as they sing some of Opera’s Greatest Hits!

Enjoy for Free on HOT Digital!

The Butterfly Emerges

Saturday, March 26 at the beautiful Sheraton Waikiki

Alison Bhattacharyya, Chair

It’s time to celebrate!  

You will not want to miss the cultural event of the spring, featuring a cocktail reception and silent auction, gourmet dinner crafted exclusively for us by the Sheraton’s culinary team, and musical performances by HOT artists.   

Opera Ball is the most important fundraising event of Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre’s year, providing vital support for our award-winning education programs which serve more than 22,000 students and their families statewide, and our mainstage productions seen by more than 12,000 patrons annually. 

Our theme this year looks ahead to the final production of our 2022 mainstage season, Puccini’s beloved opera Madame Butterfly, featuring costumes designed by Anne Namba.   

But it also represents HOT’s return to live performances and events, as we reemerge from the pandemic like the butterfly leaving its chrysalis, more beautiful than ever! With that in mind, we are encouraging festive attire that fits the theme, with optional black-tie. 

This year’s ball includes some new features, including design concepts by Riccardo Benavides of Ideas Events & Rentals based in San Francisco. 

He and his team will be working with our own Anne Namba of Anne Namba Designs to create a truly unique event that you will not want to miss! 

Click here to view a list of HOT Opera Ball Table Benefits.  To sign up for a table, please fill out the Opera Ball Table Form and submit.  Should you wish to make a Silent Auction Donation, please download the Silent Auction Donation Form and send to HOT. 

For more information or individual tickets, please call the HOT box office at 808.596.7858 or email hottickets@hawaiiopera.org. 

Note:

We are working closely with the Sheraton staff to ensure the safety of Opera Ball attendees, staff, volunteers, and artists.  

That starts with our decision to require all guests be fully vaccinated by the event.  

We’re also limiting the number of tables to allow for social distancing, and we’ll keep you informed of additional safety protocols as they evolve. 

We believe this will allow the greatest level of comfort and freedom of movement for you at Opera Ball.  

For Immediate Release

JULY 15, 2021 – Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, live performances are preparing to return, and opera, emerging from the pandemic, is also experiencing a metamorphosis. Hawai’i Opera Theatre’s (HOT) 2020-2021 Digital Season opened a new creative world, allowing the islands’ only opera company to share its story with a global audience from 115 countries outside of Hawai’i and the continental US. The digital platform is not just a passing fancy, but a unique method of delivery that can interact with and enhance live programming, which makes its return this Fall.

Many of the details required to craft a safe and successful return to live opera remain unclear: awaiting reopening plans from our longtime home, The Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall; rapidly changing safety protocols – and related expenses; the comfort level of audiences to return to indoor performances; and more. The schedule remains unchanged, but we have reimagined the first two productions to be performed without intermission and with minimal forces to ensure safety and fiscal responsibility.

In February, HOT presents The Tragedy of Carmen, Peter Brook’s gripping adaptation that brings Bizet’s opera back to its origins of sexual intrigue, power, and complexity. In this distilled 90-minute production, Carmen’s embrace of her dark fate is elevated from an act of submission to an assertion of power. All making their HOT debuts, Ashley Dixon stars as Carmen, with Christian Pursell as Escamillo and Maria Valdes as Micaëla. HOT favorite Karen Tiller returns to direct, with Emily Senturia conducting.

Originally scheduled as the grand opening, Re-Emerging: HOT Live in Concert will be a one-act program of beloved arias, duets and ensembles from opera and musical theater performed in concert, led by conductor Mark Morash, and staged by HOT Artistic Advisor Jamie Offenbach debuting this March. Alongside some favorite local talent, the program features soprano Elena Galván who captured our hearts as the charming Susanna in our 2019 production of The Marriage of Figaro, and New Zealand-born baritone Hadleigh Adams, in his HOT debut.

The company closes out the season as planned in April 2022 with a full-scale production of one of opera’s best-loved classics, Madame Butterfly. Puccini’s iconic work will be directed by Gregory Keller with conductor Benjamin Makino. Joining her creative team is local designer Anne Namba returning to HOT.

In addition to a full season of opera, Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre’s signature fundraising gala, Opera Ball, returns on Saturday, November 6 at the Sheraton Waikiki. This signature event raises much-needed funds to support HOT’s operations, which includes the award-winning education programs that serves over 20,000 students, families and teachers throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Opera Ball 2021: The Butterfly Emerges will feature designs by Riccardo Benavides, of Ideas Events & Rentals based in San Francisco, and local favorite fashion designer Anne Namba.

Accompanying the new additions to season programming, HOT is planning for changes in how opera is presented and experienced. To create an event that is safe and enjoyable, anticipate reduced capacities in the Fall – with the hopes of expansion for the Spring – along with social distancing, facemasks for attendees, and other measures that follow the latest guidelines from local and national officials. Changing protocols are being closely monitored and HOT will follow-up with detailed safety procedures closer to its first performances.

Subscriptions are now available through the HOT Box Office. To subscribe to the season or learn more about these changes, please contact the HOT Box Office at 808.596.7858 or hottickets@hawaiiopera.org.

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For media questions and comments, please contact:

Kristen Lau-Grover / Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre / k_laugrover@hawaiiopera.org / 808.596.7372 ext. 211

ABOUT HAWAIʻI OPERA THEATRE

Opera has been part of island culture for more than a century. Its history in Hawaiʻi, which dates back to the 1850s, includes stories of Queen Emma singing in the chorus of Verdi’s Il Trovatore while her husband, King Kamehameha IV served as the stage manager! Today, Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre is known for its vibrant and creative productions and award-winning education programs.

Since 1961, Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT), founded as a division of the Honolulu Symphony Society and incorporated in 1980, has served to enhance the quality of life in Hawaiʻi by presenting opera performances and education programs of the highest standards. With its upcoming commemoration of 60 years as the only professional opera company in Hawaiʻi, HOT is one of the largest performing arts organizations in the state with performances and education presentations on all of the major islands. In May, 2019, General Director Andrew Morgan became the company’s fifth executive leader, bringing over 25 years of experience as a non-profit leader, singer and stage director.

HOT’s year-round educational programs serve as both catalyst and active participant in the artistic education of Hawaiʻi’s youth, serving over 20,000 students, parents and teachers each year. Opera for Everyone provides access to a dress rehearsal for each of HOT’s mainstage productions for a large and enthusiastic audience of students. Opera Express takes opera into elementary and middle schools with special tours to all Neighbor Islands of an engaging and age-appropriate production. HOT’s Opera Residency program brings our education and production staff members into an elementary school to work with students and teachers to compose an opera production centered on curriculum components. Adult education offerings include Opera Highlights, a non-credit course at the University of Hawaii; Opera Previews, a lecture and Q&A with artists at the Honolulu Museum of Art; pre-performance Lanai Lectures on the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall lanai; and other presentations at venues throughout the state. During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the company adapted all of its artistic and education programs for online distribution through HOT Digital.