City Awards $5,000 to Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus

The City has awarded a $5,000 grant to the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus for its 2008-2009 performance season.

The grant provides support for the annual OPERAtunities program, choral festivals, public performances, outreach programs in public schools, and a number of collaborative projects.  The Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus serves 3,500 students in grades K-12 during the year.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann is scheduled to present the grant to Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus officials on Saturday, March 14, 6:00 p.m., at Kawaiahao Church, when the chorus opens its 12^th Annual E Mele Kakou Children’s Choral Festival.

“The Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus is a gem and has done a tremendous job in establishing a life-long appreciation of performing arts among our youth,” said Mayor Hannemann.  “The City is proud to support the chorus’ efforts to represent Honolulu throughout the state, as well as nationally and internationally.”

“The product offerings by the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus contributes greatly to our cultural economy, as well as generates exposure to the high-quality performing arts offered here in Honolulu,” said Michael Pili Pang, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts.  “Our partnership helps preserve an aspect of our cultural heritage and supports business activities in the arts community.”

Established in 1961, the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus is the longest-running and largest youth chorus in Hawaii.  The grant was appropriated by the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts.

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Contact

Dymian Racoma, 768-6622