HANA HOU | DECEMBER 2023

Happy Holidays!

It seems like the holiday season begins earlier and earlier every year. And it’s not just the décor, gift cards, wrapping paper, and more that seems to pop up in stores even before Halloween. But the older I get, the faster the days, weeks, and months speed by me. Seriously, how did it get to be December when I barely remember the fall? Tempus fugit, indeed! 

Part of it is just how busy our lives have become. That is certainly the case for the staff at your Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre! But like singing, it’s all about learning to breathe. It’s important to take time to reflect on the year that has passed and to anticipate the new year that is about to start. There is so much to be thankful for in my life: the love of family and friends; the dedication and camaraderie of staff and board; the amazing support of our patrons; the joy in witnessing the power of opera in our performances and education programs; and so much more! 

The holidays are also a time for traditions. For me, things get rolling over Thanksgiving weekend: decorating the house (my husband, Danny accuses me of having “Martha Steward disease”) and watching one of my favorite seasonal movies, Miracle on 34th Street with Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara and a very young Natalie Wood. It has also included a myriad of singing gigs – including annual performances of Handel’s Messiah and caroling in Dickensian outfits (yes, even a top hat!). And of course, spending time with friends and family. 

Music will always be a vital part of the holidays for me, so I’m especially excited that HOT is bringing back I’ll Be Seeing You this month, in a completely reimagined program created by HOT Artistic Director Jamie Offenbach. The December 2021 edition has a special place in my heart because it was our very first live performance coming out of Covid – in fact, we just squeaked it in between two major surges. Those who attended the second show on the Friday will also remember it as the night the lights went out in Georgia…or rather, Hawaiʻi Opera Plaza. It was literally minutes before curtain when the entire building went dark! We held for about 15 minutes, but ultimately decided the show truly must go on…even without lighting and sound. So, we scrounged up a couple battery-powered lights and got the program going. Power came back on about 20 minutes in, right in the middle of one of Blythe Kelsey’s songs. She paused for a second, started it over again, and the crowd went wild! That was an experience I will never forget. 

The music continues December 16 when singers from the Mae Z. Orvis Opera Studio will be featured in concert at Kawaiahaʻo Church. You won’t want to miss this free event! And it’s the perfect excuse to wander through the beautiful Honolulu City Lights exhibit at Honolulu Hale right across the street. 

Whatever your traditions, I hope your holidays are filled with family, friends, good food, and amazing music! 

With Warm Aloha,

 Andrew