Kuriyama receives scholarship for the 2009 Hawaii Performing Arts Festival

A boisterous baritone, Zen Michael Kuriyama, 10th grade Parker School student, is a scholarship recipient for the 2009 Hawaii Performing Arts Festival, Vocal Program.

The mission statement of the 2009 Hawaii Performing Arts Festival is “to promote the appreciation and advancement of classical music and musical theater, to offer a world-class music training and performance program in the inspirational setting of Hawaii, and to improve the education and elevate the spirit of all who participate, especially the local community,” writes the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival of its program.

Although Kuriyama has lived in Waimea nearly all his life and sings with various vocal groups, this is the first year he will participate in the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival.  

“I study voice with Maren Oom (soprano) and Harry Kawai (Bass-Baritone). I also sing in Parker’s Vocal Ensemble, my church choir, and in the Waimea Community Chorus. I enjoy participating in recitation competitions and using my vocal delivery skills on the Parker debate team,” said Kuriyama.

“Zen Michael Kuriyama is the kind of young artist we want to support and encourage.  He is a dedicated and sincere young vocalist, and we are thrilled to work with him next summer, and take him to his next level as an artist.” Genette Freeman, Executive Director of the Hawai’i Performing Arts Festival.

(an abreviated version was in the Hawaii Tribune Herald - May 6, 2009)