Ronny has the great pleasure of serving as assistant conductor for Kamalehua: The Sheltering Tree, a groundbreaking new opera that tells the true story of Timoteo Haʻalilio, Royal Secretary and lifelong friend to King Kamehameha III. Set in the mid-19th century, the work follows Haʻalilio’s extraordinary diplomatic mission to the United States and Europe to secure international recognition of Hawaiʻi as a sovereign nation and protect the Kingdom from foreign annexation, illuminating a pivotal and often overlooked chapter in Hawaiian history. Led by internationally renowned Hawaiian baritone Quinn Kelsey in the title role, the opera reveals the sophistication of the Hawaiian government and the global presence of its leaders, while exploring universal themes of identity, diplomacy, sacrifice, and self-determination.