Punahou Music School welcomed alumnus Robert Feng ’14, a professional opera singer and librettist, as a guest artist-educator, joined by his partner, mezzo-soprano Taylor-Alexis DuPont. Both are graduates of the Peabody Conservatory and are featured performers in Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre’s production of Riot Grrrl from Mars. During their visit, they shared their professional artistry and experience with students across campus.
A former voice student at the Music School, Feng returned to teach private lessons, visit a seventh grade orchestra class and co-present a public voice masterclass.
As the orchestra students recently began learning an arrangement of themes from Mozart’s opera, Don Giovanni, Feng performed parts of the work in their original vocal form, helping the students better understand the expressive and narrative roots of the piece.
During the evening masterclass in Montague Hall, Punahou students performed classical and musical theatre repertoire in an open-lesson format, gaining feedback that benefitted both performers and audience members.
When asked what music means to him, Feng shared reflections on the profound way in which music helps us define our existence as human beings.
“Music and Art exist to help us feel more and be more,” Feng said. “It’s a language without words – just vibrating air – but we assign meaning to it in our chaotic lives. Music helps us remember, feel things we thought were lost, and reminds us that we’re not alone.”
His return highlighted the lasting impact of a Punahou music education and the power of music to connect across generations.