Aloha mai kākou:
It’s hard to believe we’re already into the second month of 2024! There is so much going on at your Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre, I had a hard time deciding on what to focus on for this month’s blog.
Our Education team is back in schools nearly every day, for our Opera Residency programs, making final plans for our Family Day (Free! Saturday, February 10 – click here for details), and preparing for spring tours on Oahu and Kauaʻi of our Opera Express show, The Curse of Lou-Ling.
And rehearsals are well underway for this month’s mainstage offering, Leoncavallo’s powerhouse short opera, Pagliacci, which will be presented in the round at the Blaisdell Arena on
February 16 & 18. Directed by HOT’s Artistic Director, Jamie Offenbach, and led from the podium by our newly appointed Principal Guest Conductor, Elizabeth Askren, this is a not-to-be-missed event! Read more about Maestra Askren here
In November, we learned the sad news of the passing of Henry Akina, HOT’s artistic leader for 30 years. It seemed fitting that we dedicate one of our 2023/2024 productions in his memory, and Pagliacci seemed to fit the bill. Although he never directed it for HOT himself, he loved the big, dramatic works, and Jamie had appeared in many of Henry’s productions over the years.
Although my time here sadly did not overlap with Henry’s tenure, I met him in 2013 – six years before I joined the company. I later learned that he was already experiencing health issues at the time, but I found his intensity and dedication to HOT and opera to be inspirational.
It is no exaggeration to say that Henry transformed this company, overseeing over 100 productions of increasing artistic quality, growing HOT’s education activities – including the creation of the Mae Z. Orvis Opera Studio and Orvis Young Voices programs – and so much more.
Henry was born and raised in Hawaiʻi and attended his first operas at HOT. In an article he wrote for his first season as General & Artistic Director, he noted that HOT’s “unique spirit and its infectious energy are partially responsible for my living my life to this point as an opera professional.” Prior to assuming his position with HOT, Henry was the manager and artistic director of the Berlin Chamber Opera, in addition to directing for companies across Europe. In 1983, he made his HOT directorial debut with a new production of Madame Butterfly conducted by HOT’s then-General Director, J. Mario Ramos. The first production during his tenure, in 1997, was Puccini’s Tosca, with local favorites John Mount and Larry Paxton in supporting roles.
I know Henry would be as proud of this production – and our entire season of innovation – as I am. And none of it would be possible without your dedication and support. I hope to see you at the Arena later this month to help us honor his lasting legacy in bringing the power of opera to Hawaiʻi.
A hui hou!
Andrew
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. 
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.