WORLD PREMIERE | Kamalehua: The Sheltering Tree | First Professional Hawaiian Opera

WHERE HAWAIIAN HISTORY TAKES CENTER STAGE Join us for the WORLD PREMIERE of the first professional Hawaiian opera. Performed in 'ōlelo Hawai'i. Herb Mahelona, Composer Victoria Nālani Kneubuhl, Librettist Kumu Hula Patrick Keʻaniniʻulaokalani Makuakāne, Director & Choreographer Lance Inouye, Conductor MAY 1, 2026 @ 7:30PM MAY 3, 2026 @ 4PM MAY 5, 2026 @ 7:30PM KAMALEHUA: THE SHELTERING TREE tells the true story of Timoteo Haʻalilio, Royal Secretary and lifelong friend to King Kamehameha III. Set in the mid-nineteenth century, the opera reveals the little-known history of the Hawaiian Kingdom and its early struggles to maintain independence. The focus is Haʻalilio's 1842-45 mission to the United States, Great Britain, Belgium, and France to secure treaties recognizing Hawaiʻi as a sovereign nation with the goal of protecting the kingdom from annexation by foreigners. Haʻalilio was accompanied by the Reverend William Richards, a trusted advisor and friend to both Haʻalilio and King Kamehameha III. During the expedition Haʻalilio and Richards met with officials, including US Secretary of State Daniel Webster and Lord Aberdeen, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Haʻalilio became quite the celebrity, particularly in Washington and Paris, due to his dashing presence and status as royalty from an exotic kingdom. Although they received verbal, and in some cases written, recognition, no formal treaties were ratified. But the mission was successful in bringing the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi to the attention of those nations. During their return from Boston to Hawaiʻi in 1844, Haʻalilio's health declined rapidly, and he passed away less than a month into the voyage. The opera illustrates the sophistication and establishment of the Hawaiian government at the time, as well as the vigilance of Hawaiian leaders in dealing with the pressures and politics of the western world. While the story focuses on the unique culture, politics, and history of Hawaiʻi, its themes are universal. Heading up the cast, in the lead role of Haʻalilio, will be internationally renowned Hawaiian baritone Quinn Kelsey who started his career in opera as a member of the HOT chorus in 1991. Kelsey is now in-demand across the U.S. and Europe, notable for his dynamic interpretations of Verdi roles.