Millikin instructor named Executive Director of Hawaii Performing Arts Festival
Justin John Moniz, coordinator of vocal studies at Millikin University, has been named the new executive director of the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival (HPAF). In his new role as executive director, Moniz will work on both the artistic and administrative fronts of the festival while assuming the responsibilities of the organization's financial management, development of annual budgets, and supervision of fiscal planning.
"The opportunity to lead such a prestigious performance and training program is a great honor," said Moniz. "I first came to the festival as a student in 2009, and have since witnessed HPAF's enormous growth first hand. It is my hope to build upon the traditions from the past 13 seasons, while moving forward with a newly defined vision for the future."
Moniz is nationally recognized for his work as a singer, stage director, and pedagogue, and is quickly earning recognition as a prominent leader in the performing arts industry. Moniz's progressive research and passion for redefining singer training in the 21st century has allowed him to emerge as one of the industry's most notable and innovative young leaders. As a member of the National Opera Association, he recently completed his second term as Florida Governor.
At Millikin, Moniz teaches courses in voice and diction. Prior to his appointment at Millikin, he was a member of the faculty at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he taught courses in performing techniques and opera. An active researcher of the evolving operatic canon and its effect on singer training, Professor Moniz's ongoing research was recently presented at two conferences for the National Opera Association, and is slated for publication this fall.
Professor Moniz holds an M.M. in Vocal Performance from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, and a B.M. in Vocal Performance from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, where he was recently selected as the recipient of the 2015 Rising Star Award for having demonstrated outstanding professional achievement in the first decade following graduation.
Professor Moniz is currently a candidate for the D.M. in Voice Performance at Florida State University, and is a proud member of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), Actors' Equity Association (AEA), and the National Association for Teachers of Singing (NATS).
Entering its 14th season, the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival brings together some of the most talented young musicians from Hawaii, the U.S., Canada, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, South America and Europe to Hawaii Island between late June and early August to study, grow and perform with professional musical performers and teachers.
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