Announcement – Hawai`i Opera Theatre Announces Change in Leadership Structure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hawai`i Opera Theatre Announces Change in Leadership Structure

HONOLULU, HAWAI`I, April 8, 2020. Hawai`i Opera Theatre (HOT) today announced a change in the leadership structure for the organization. The Board of Directors has made the decision to eliminate the position of Artistic Director, currently held by conductor Emmanuel Plasson, for budgetary reasons. In conjunction with this change, Andrew Morgan, who has been serving in the role of Executive Director since May 2019, has been named General Director.  Both changes are effective immediately as the company focuses on planning for the 2020-2021 Season and beyond.

James McCoy, President of the Board for HOT, said “Eliminating the position of Artistic Director was a difficult decision, but the Board felt it was in the best interest of the Company especially in light of the current economic situation. We thank Maestro Plasson for his service, including conducting four critically acclaimed productions – most recently, the final performance of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro in February – and for his willingness to help lead HOT through a period of transition.”

Reflecting on the promotion of Mr. Morgan, Mr. McCoy added, “Since his arrival in May of last year, Andrew has impressed me and the entire board with his broad knowledge of opera, his passion for the Company and our community, and his enthusiasm and professionalism in leading HOT into our exciting next chapter. I know that he is the right person for the job and this promotion is very much deserved.”

In taking on this increased role, Mr. Morgan becomes the third General Director in HOT’s history. As part of his transition, he has announced two additions to the staff. Blythe Kelsey, who has worked for the company since 2013 in the Education department and has appeared in numerous productions, steps into the position of Director of Artistic Administration. Bass-baritone Jamie Offenbach, who has sung around the world and appeared in 26 productions with HOT, has joined the staff in the new role of Artistic Advisor.