A group of young vocalists from mainland China are attending vocal workshops held on the BYU–Hawaii campus for the Hawaii International Summer Vocal Academy (HISVA). They are holding a free concert (their second on-campus concert) this Friday, August 1, at 7:30 PM in the McKay Auditorium.
The mission of the HISVA is to discover, inspire, and educate vocal talent and provide opportunities for vocal students to work with internationally renowned vocal artists and educators on Western operatic arias and songs. The program is directed toward students who are seriously considering a career in vocal arts performance or education. Individuals participating in HISVA programs take various classes on techniques, repertoires, and cultures, learning about and refining their craft. The curriculum also includes Western art song recitals, opera scene performances, private lessons, workshops, and diction and language classes aimed to help these emerging artists. Three HISVA faculty are on campus as instructors at this year’s vocal academy, Greg Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera, Karen Holvik from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, and BYU–Hawaii’s own mezzo-soprano Anna Mooy.