The 2018-19 HOT Opera Season closes with Verdi’s classic tragedy La Traviata, featuring Hawaii’s Quinn Kelsey and SOL3 MIO’s Pene Pati
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The 2018-19 HOT Opera Season closes with Verdi’s classic tragedy La Traviata, featuring Hawaii’s Quinn Kelsey and SOL3 MIO’s Pene Pati
Honolulu, Hawaii – Hawaii Opera Theatre’s (HOT) season closes with Verdi’s iconic La Traviata starring Pene Pati of SOL3 MIO fame and Hawaii’s very own Quinn Kelsey. Performances will be held at the Blaisdell Concert Hall on May 17, (7:30pm), 19 (4:00pm), and 21 (7:30pm).
The courtesan Violetta is the life of the party, even as tuberculosis slowly takes its toll. Having long loved her, Alfredo finally declares his affection as Violetta falls ill and she decides to see if this kind-hearted young man is the real deal. Trading in the life that she knew, Violetta and Alfredo move away, with Violetta secretly selling everything she owns to maintain this new life of love. But their romantic fantasy is doomed to failure.
Diversity in opera, and the art-form’s relevancy to the modern world, has been an ongoing topic in the industry and HOT’s production proudly features a diverse array of artists from around the world, led by Emily Senturia (Conductor) and Stephanie Havey (Director). The company is thrilled to have two women lead the production as opera continues to evolve to break down the barriers of the past.
Soprano Danielle Talamantes stars as Violetta in her HOT Debut. The acclaimed Soprano will be joined on stage by a pair of popular Polynesian performers with ties to Hawaii: Quinn Kelsey (Germont) and SOL3 MIO’s Pene Pati (Alfredo).
Kelsey, an HOT Orvis Opera Studio alumnus, first took the stage as a member of the HOT Chorus in intermediate school. Since then he has gone on to international stardom, performing at leading companies throughout the world. Pati, a rising young star in opera, first gained notice with his family group SOL3 MIO in their home of New Zealand. The group has toured throughout the world and won a number of awards for their work.HOT Favorites Jamie Offenbach and Leon Williams return along with HOT Orvis Opera Studio Members Leslie Goldman and Sarah Lambert Connelly. Rounding out the cast are visiting HOT Young Artists Mario Arevalo and Mark Billy.
HOT Executive Director Andrew Morgan notes, “La Traviata is one of the most popular operas of all time, and with good reason. This tragic tale of a heroic courtesan who makes the greatest sacrifice of all for true love inspired Guiseppe Verdi to craft some most memorable music, filled with one achingly beautiful melody after another. It is the sort of work that reminds us why we love this, the greatest of art forms so much.” HOT last staged La Traviata in 2011. This will be the company’s sixth production of the opera classic.
Tickets range from $29 – $130 online at Tickets.HawaiiOpera.Org or call the HOT Box Office at (808) 596-7858. Group, Military, and Student Discounts available through the HOT Box Office.
Enhance the experience, learn more about the opera, and meet other Arts enthusiasts through these special events.
HOT Opera Preview
May 8, 2019 / 1:00pm
Doris Duke Theatre, Honolulu Museum of Art
Attend a special Opera Preview at the Honolulu Museum of Art’s Doris Duke Theatre, featuring background on the opera by acclaimed musicologist Dr. Lynne Johnson, followed by a Q&A session with the cast and Artistic Team of La Traviata. Free to HOT and HoMA Members.
HOT Family Day at the Opera
May 11, 2019 / 11:00am – 1:00pm
Blaisdell Concert Hall
Join the HOT Ohana for an Open House and behind-the-scenes look at HOT’s new production of La Traviata. Featuring entertainment and activities for the whole family! Free to attend.
HOT Opera for Everyone
May 15, 2019 / 7:00pm
Blaisdell Concert Hall
The final dress rehearsal reserved for students and families, Opera for Everyone is a favorite among teachers, students, parents and keiki. Contact HOT Education for more details and to order tickets at 808.596.7372.
HOT Lanai Lectures
May 17, 19, & 21, 2019 / 60 minutes and 30 minutes before curtain
Ward Lanai, Blaisdell Concert Hall
A 15 minute discussion about the opera that will get you ready for the performance to follow. Free.
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Since 1961, Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT), formerly a division of the Honolulu Symphony Society and incorporated in 1980, has served to enhance the quality of life in Hawaii by presenting opera performances of the highest standards, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. HOT’s educational programs for youth serve as both catalyst and active participant in the artistic education of Hawaii’s youth. Opera for Everyone provides a special performance of each opera for a large and enthusiastic audience of students. Opera Express takes operas specially adapted operas, into elementary and middle schools with special tours to all neighbor islands. HOT’s Opera Residency program takes our education and production staff members into an elementary school to work with students and teachers to compose an opera production centered around curriculum components. Adult education is offered with Opera Highlights, a non-credit course at the University of Hawaii; Opera Previews, 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.
Media Contact – Jason Walter / j_walter@hawaiiopera.org / 808.596.7858