Focus Hawaii Michael Belnap

Authors

• Joel Kongaika
• Michael Belnap

Files

Description

Hosted by Joel Kongaika, this episode of Focus Hawaii features an in‑depth conversation with Michael Belnap, newly appointed professor of music at BYU–Hawaii and internationally experienced tenor. Belnap discusses his move from Indiana University’s renowned School of Music to Laie, describing how a sabbatical‑year opportunity grew into a calling to build a premier vocal program for students of the South Pacific. He shares highlights from a rich performance career that includes opera roles across Europe and the United States, touring with Opéra de Wallonie, debuting Messiah at Carnegie Hall, and spending four intensive weeks studying directly with Luciano Pavarotti. Belnap also reflects on mentoring students who later succeeded on Broadway and in national tours, his ongoing professional connections, and his vision for BYU–Hawaii’s vocal program, including touring, musical theater initiatives, and expanded opportunities for student performers. The episode concludes with a dramatic performance clip from the opera Peter Grimes, showcasing Belnap’s expressive intensity and stage artistry.

Length of Video

00:28:01

File Size

2.3GB

Archives Call Number

22.FH

Air Date

2003

Keywords

Michael Belnap, Joel Kongaika, Focus Hawaii, BYU–Hawaii music faculty, opera tenor, Carnegie Hall Messiah, Pavarotti training, Opéra de Wallonie, vocal performance, music education, Broadway alumni, concert choir BYUH, vocal program development, Peter Grimes performance, South Pacific vocal training, classical singing career

Disciplines

Music

Recommended Citation

Kongaika, Joel and Belnap, Michael, "Focus Hawaii Michael Belnap" (2003). Focus Hawaii. 126.
https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/focushawaii/126