East Hawaii singers have the opportunity to watch and learn from classically trained, world-renowned performers in two masterclasses this weekend.
Each year, well-known opera singer Amy Shoremount-Obra offers concerts in Pahala under the nonprofit Hawaii International Music Festival. This year, she’s offering a full-blown vocal workshop with instructors flying in from Mexico City and Maine.
Students from Kauai, Volcano, Hilo and the mainland have signed up for the workshops.
A masterclass is a special type of music lesson that takes place in front of a group of people and other vocalists. Oftentimes, it is a special event where musicians have the opportunity to perform a song for a professional.
Volcano vocalist Ian McMillan will be attending the intensive classes.
“Masterclasses are basically a performance opportunity for singers in a supportive environment where they can receive feedback and adjustments to performing in real time,” McMillan said. “It’s a group learning experience that turns into a well-done concert.”
There are two masterclasses offered in Hilo this Saturday at Christ Lutheran Church. Although the classes are full, the public can view them for free — although donations are encouraged.
Cyndia Sieden, a world-renowned American coloratura soprano, will be hosting a masterclass for classical singers at 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Edwin and Michael Cahill will host the next class from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for both classical and musical theater singers and will focus on acting and movement.
The program will end with two concerts at 7 p.m. on Sunday and Monday at the Pahala Plantation House and Christ Lutheran Church, respectively.
“It is rare for people of this caliber to come to East Hawaii to host workshops like this, it hasn’t happened since I’ve lived here,” McMillan said. “My person experience is that I learn more watching other people. There is so much to learn in this format.”
Vocal artists from the workshops will participate in concerts resulting from the work done on Saturday.
The first concert, “An Evening of Opera and Song,” will feature excerpts from Puccini’s grand opera “Tosca,” fully staged by Edwin Cahill and featuring tenor Jon Lovegrove and Shoremount-Obra, with Monica Chung at the piano.
The second half of the concert will feature opera, songs and musical theater favorites honoring Ka‘u Coffee Farmers. It will include performances by HIMF co-founder and violinist Eric Silberger, vocalist McMillan, Honolulu-based mezzo-soprano Maya Sypert, with Maika‘i Nash at the piano and vocal workshop participants.
The concert tickets costs $30 each and will help benefit the purchase of a new piano for the Plantation House.
The second concert on Monday, “An Evening of Opera and Song Part 2,” will follow a similar program from Sunday, but with soprano Caroline Fjeldheim.
The second half of the concert will include a different program from the Pahala concert featuring opera, songs and musical theater selections. While the Monday concert is free, there is a suggested free-will offering of $30 at the door.
“What is special about these opportunities, is that Amy Shoremount-Obra has opened it up to not just those visiting young aspiring professionals, but also to more age groups,” McMillan said. “Including the general community, like myself, who may not be aspiring to a professional career, yet still participate in music in our communities.”
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
