Who says opera has to be in an opera house? The 11th annual Hawaii Performing Arts Festival opens Sunday with “Opera on the Rocks.” The season begins at 4 p.m. at Huggo’s in Kona.
Every July, an internationally renowned faculty of directors, performers and instructors, converge on the Big Island for the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival. Along with a select group of aspiring students from around the world who attend to learn and perform, these music masters prepare for a week of concerts, master classes and stage productions.
In preparation for the performances, students participate in private voice lessons, classes in acting and movement, individualized coaching, music lessons and staging. Participants are also given the opportunity to attend classes in audition presentation and career development.
“So many things in this crazy world tear us apart as humans,” said HPAF executive director, Genette Freeman. “Just turn on the news. But now a great collaboration between artists, audiences, community, and businesses is about to begin which will bring us together. We invite everyone to be a part of it.”
Following Sunday’s “Opera on the Rocks,” which costs $60, the 2015 Hawaii Performing Arts Festival continues through July 25. Because the schedule is subject to change, visit www.hawaiiperformingartsfestival.com for the most up-to-date information. Tickets, when required, can also be purchased at the website.
At 7 p.m. Thursday, the musical artistry of the festival’s string and vocal artists will be on display during “Great Performances I” at Davies Chapel in Waimea. This event is free to the public; however, a $20 donation is suggested. A post concert-reception is also planned at the chapel
On July 11, Chee-Yun &Friends take the stage at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. The renowned violin star joins Hawaii Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Iggy Jang in a gala evening of classic string performances that begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online.
Later that day, at 7 p.m., is “Opera Under the Stars” at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. This event will feature operatic pieces as performed by HPAF artists. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online.
At 11:30 a.m., July 12, HPAF Strings heads to Honokaa. The group will offer a free, open-to-the-public performance at Honokaa United Methodist Church on Mamane Street.
At 4 p.m., July 12, is “Broadway on the Rocks” at Huggo’s. This event will offer the fun and good times of “Opera on the Rocks,” but with an emphasis on Broadway and musical theater. Tickets are $60 with very limited seating and are available online.
On July 14, “Short and Sweet — The Junior Strings” at St. James Church in Waimea will be offered. This free mid-day performance by the festival’s youngest students gets underway at 12:30 p.m.
At 7 p.m. July 14, “The Art of Song” will be offered at Davies Chapel. This event is free, however, a donation of $5 is suggested. The event will feature a sampling of English, French and Russian art songs.
On July 15 at 7 p.m., “Great Performances II” will be presented at Davies Chapel in Waimea. This evening of top HPAF vocal, string and instrumental talent is free, however, a $20 donation is suggested.
At 7 p.m. July 16, a concert in Honokaa will feature Gary Washburn and HPAF Strings at People’s Theatre. Honokaa’s Grammy winner and teacher Washburn joins Jang’s string program in much-anticipated collaboration. Tickets are $20 and are available for purchase online.
At 7 p.m. on July 17 and 18, Davies Chapel will host “The Fairy Queen,” a masque or semi-opera with harpsichord, described as a “Restoration Spectacular” by the English composer Henry Purcell. Directed by Catherine Turocy, with musical direction by James Richman, this event is free, however, a $20 donation is suggested.
On July 18, at 7 p.m., Strings will take the stage at the Palace Theater. Iggy Jang, Quack Moore, and friends in a string concert at the historic theater in Hilo. Tickets are $20 and are available only through the Palace Theater box office at 38 Haili St., in Hilo, or by calling 934-7010.
On July 19, at 2 p.m. will be the final 2015 Hawaii Island performance of string classics at Davies Chapel in Waimea. Free to the public, suggested donation $20.
“The Magic Flute” will be presented on July 21 and July 22. The July 21 presentation will start at 7 p.m. at Kahilu Theatre. Tickets start at $22 and are available through Kahilu Theatre at 885-6868 and www.kahilutheatre.org. The July 22 presentation will start at 7 p.m. at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Tickets are $50 and are available online.
At 7 p.m. July 24, “Lieder Abend — An Evening of Song” will be offered at Davies Chapel in Waimea. This free concert offers an exploration of German art song.
“Into The Woods” by Stephen Sondheim will be offered on July 25 and 26 at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. Fairy tales collide in this modern musical twist on Happily Ever After directed by Chuck Hudson with musical direction by Jason Gamer. The July 25 show begins at 7 p.m. and the July 26 show at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $22 and both evenings’ tickets are available only through the Kahilu Theatre at 885-6868 and www.kahilutheatre.org.
For more information, call 646-1266, or visit www.hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org or www.facebook.com/hawaiiperformingartsfestival.