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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 11:44 a.m., Monday, June 25, 2007

Children's opera premieres Friday, Saturday

Advertiser Staff

"Ka'ililauokekoa"

Premiere performances,

presented by the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus

7 p.m Friday, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday

Orvis Auditorium, University of Hawai'i-Manoa

$15 adults, $12 youth

521-2982, www.hyoc.org

The Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus has commissioned an original children's opera called "Ka'ililauokekoa," written by two Hawai'i ex-pats, Betran Moon and Mayumi Shimose.

In the tale, Ka'ililauokekoa, daughter of the high chief of Puna, hears Kauakahiali'i calling her on the wind. She travels to Kaua'i, finds him and they plan to get married. As wedding preparations are made, they spot the sacred island of Kane, kapu land of birds and gods. Kauakahiali'i decides to see the island and vows to return to his bride. She is warned that if Kauakahiali'i reaches the island without looking back, he will never return. She calls to him, but it is too late. The people of Kaua'i comfort her, and she vows to go on and rule Kaua'i, knowing she will never forget Kauakahiali'i.

Unlike other children's operas, where adults play the major roles, Ka'ililauokekoa will feature a full youth cast.

"Ka'ililauokekoa" is being presented as part of Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus' OPERAtunities program. Sponsored by HYOC, OPERAtunities presents a chance for youth, grades 4 through 12, to gain first-hand experience in the production of a youth opera. Participants learn vocal techniques, dramatic acting, costuming, stage make-up, and prop construction.

Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus is Hawai'i's longest running youth choir, serving almost 200 students from grades K through 12. Originally formed to provide young singers for the Hawaii Opera Theatre, HYOC has expanded to become an internationally known children's choir. They have performed in Wales, France and the Netherlands, as well as Carnegie Hall in New York and Disneyworld, Florida. In 2005, Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus did a two-week tour of China, singing with youth choirs in Beijing, Xian, Hanghzough and Shanghai. This year, the choir visited Kaua'i, Moloka'i and Hawai'i, and was chosen to represent Hawai'i in the 400th Anniversary of America in Jamestown, Virginia.