Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre’s New Principal Guest Conductor – Elizabeth Askren

Hawai’i Opera Theatre proudly announces the appointment of Elizabeth Askren as the company’s first-ever Principal Guest Conductor. Askren is a renowned conductor, educator, and cultural activist who performs regularly with leading opera houses and orchestras throughout North America and Europe. In addition to this new post, she is a master teacher at both The Dallas Opera’s Hart Institute for Women Conductors and at the Paris Opera Academy, recently making history by judging the Paris Philharmonic’s inaugural La Maestra Competition for Women Conductors. Askren also founded the Transylvanian Opera Academy, Romania’s first opera studio and is the creator and host of MaestraMagic!, a musical children’s series likened to Sesame Street. A TEDx speaker, Askren is invited regularly to speak about leadership, culture-preneurship, inclusivity, and cultivating humanity in the age of AI. Askren holds degrees The Juilliard School and Oberlin Conservatory. Maestro Elizabeth Askren first came to the attention of Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT) when searching for a conductor for their October 2022 production of “The Secret Garden,” an opera by composer Nolan Gassar and librettist Carey Harrison. HOTs General Director, Andrew Morgan, has made a priority of seeking diversity for cast and creative teams, including increased opportunities for female conductors and stage directors.  

“We needed someone who not only has experience with contemporary works but is also sensitive to singers’ needs and with a nurturing approach, since HOT typically engages younger singers. From the very first rehearsal – and even prior to her arrival – we knew we had found someone completely in command of the score, with a broad and deep knowledge of opera as an artform, and a collegial attitude that put everyone at ease in rehearsals and performances, coupled with extremely high artistic standards,” shares General Director Andrew Morgan.  

 “After Maestro Askren’s debut with HOT, we knew instantly that we wanted to build a relationship with her by looking for future projects. We knew that she would be the perfect fit,” added Artistic Director Jamie Offenbach. 

 Maestra Askren shares, “Sometimes there is a chemistry between an artist and a house which is immediate and undeniable. In a post-pandemic atmosphere of doom and gloom, HOT continues to innovate and lead with heart, with a deep love of the craft, and who treats their artists with respect. They are a company which epitomizes grace under pressure and are a wonderful example of an opera company serving its public. For all of these reasons, I am honored to collaborate with HOT under a new title: that of Principal Guest Conductor,”

Return engagements at companies is important to the career of any conductor or stage director. It is the highest compliment, telling the world that this individual made a positive impression. Building a relationship with a company is equally important, getting to know the staff, orchestra, chorus, and performing venue(s) – all resulting in better performances for the company and adding a valuable skillset for the individual. Maestra Askren is currently in Honolulu preparing for performances of Ruggiero Leoncavallo’s masterpiece, Pagliacci, with performances at the Blaisdell Arena on February 16 and 18, 2024, directed by HOT Artistic Director Jamie Offenbach.