Hawai'i Opera Theatre appoints inaugural principal guest conductor

Conductor, educator, and cultural activist Elizabeth Askren has been named as Hawai’i Opera Theatre’s (HOT) first ever principal guest conductor. The appointment follows Askren’s recent performances of Ruggiero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci at Honolulu’s Blaisdell Arena earlier this month.

The appointment builds on Askren’s existing relationship with HOT, which began when searching for a conductor for HOT’s 2022 production of The Secret Garden. Her appointment is in line with HOT general director Andrew Morgan’s goal of ‘seeking diversity for cast and creative teams, including increased opportunities for female conductors and stage directors’. 

Morgan said: ‘We needed someone who not only has experience with contemporary works but is also sensitive to 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.’

Askren, who herself has benefitted from mentoring from Marin Alsop, will balance her new role with teaching roles at both The Dallas Opera’s Hart Institute for Women Conductors and at the Paris Opera’s Academy. She is also the founder and artistic director of Romania’s first opera studio, Transylvanian Opera Academy.

Askren said: ‘Sometimes there is a chemistry between an artist and a house which is immediate and undeniable. In a post-pandemic atmosphere of doom and gloom, HOT continues to innovate and lead with heart, with a deep love of the craft, and who treats their artists with respect. They are a company which epitomizes grace under pressure and are a wonderful example of an opera company serving its public. For all of these reasons, I am honoured to collaborate with HOT under a new title: that of principal guest conductor.’

Founded in 1961 as a division of the Honolulu Symphony Society and incorporated in 1980, HOT celebrates over 60 years as the only professional opera company in Hawaiʻi. It is one of the largest performing arts organisations in the state and presents performances and education presentations on all the major islands.