The 2019-20 HOT Opera Season starts with Puccini’s Tosca
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The 2019-20 HOT Opera Season starts with Puccini’s Tosca
Honolulu, Hawaii – “Desired by both, but her heart leaps for only one…” Featuring Puccini at his most romantic, Tosca is one of the most beloved operas of all time – for both its melodies and the story. It is a work adored by longtime opera aficionados but also the perfect first opera for the newcomer.
Set across the backdrop of a war torn Rome, this tale follows the love between the fiery diva Floria Tosca and the artist Mario Cavaradossi. The evil Baron Scarpia, who lusts after Tosca, manipulates her into thinking Cavaradossi is having an affair. In a fit of jealousy, Tosca leads Scarpia to her beloved, who has been helping to hide his friend Cesare Angelotti, a political prisoner and former leader of the Napoleon Resistance. Hoping to save Cavaradossi from execution, Tosca strikes a deal with Scarpia that holds tragic consequence for all three.
Rochelle Bard, hailed as “an exquisite singing actress”, makes her thrilling HOT debut in the title role alongside HOT debuts by tenor Alex Boyer as her ill-fated lover and Aleksey Bogdanov as the lustful Baron Scarpia. The production will be led by HOT Artistic Director/Principal Conductor Emmanuel Plasson and directed by Omer Ben Seadia, also in her HOT debut.
HOT Executive Director Andrew Morgan shares, “Tosca has held a beloved place in the operatic repertory for good reason: it has it all, with a dramatic story that is sure to leave you in tears and inspired Puccini to some of his most romantic and lush writing that will stay with you for days after you experience it.”
Performances of HOT’s production of Tosca will be held at the Blaisdell Concert Hall on Oct 11, (7:30pm), 13 (4:00pm), and 15 (7:30pm). HOT’s 2019-20 Opera Season continues with Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and a semi-staged production of Strauss’ Salome next Spring.
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 by attending the HOT Opera Preview and to learn more about the opera and meet other Arts enthusiasts.
HOT Opera Preview
Oct. 2 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 Opera for Everyone
Oct. 9, 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
Oct. 11, 13, & 15, 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) has served to enhance the quality of life in Hawaii by presenting opera performances of the highest standards. 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.