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SeAH to hold 10th opera concert to honor late chairman
The SeAH Woon Hyung Lee Foundation will host its 10th opera concert at the Seoul Arts Center, Friday, honoring the late SeAH Group Chairman Lee Woon-hyung, a passionate classical opera enthusiast.
By Park Jae-hyuk
Since 2015, the foundation has been curating carefully selected opera performances, bringing high-quality productions to the public and making opera more accessible and cherished.
The concert will feature "Rusalka," one of the masterpieces by Czech composer Antonin Dvorak. This opera, which tells the poignant story of the water nymph Rusalka's love, desire and the conflicts that arise, has captivated audiences worldwide since its 1901 premiere. Known for its emotional depth and lyrical storytelling, "Rusalka" is often compared to a fairy tale. The title role demands exceptional vocal ability and strong acting skills, making it one of the most coveted and challenging roles in opera.
Rusalka is based on Slavic folklore and explores the universal theme of love between humans and mythical beings. The protagonist’s inner struggles, sacrifices and her yearning for love resonate deeply with audiences. Dvorak's signature lyrical and dramatic music amplifies the emotional depth of the story, drawing the audience into a dreamlike atmosphere.
Directed by renowned stage director Pyo Hyun-jin, the production will be visually captivating, enhancing the mystical atmosphere of the opera. David Yi, artistic director of the Gangnam Symphony Orchestra, will conduct the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and the Noi Opera Chorus, bringing Dvorak's rich and expressive music to life.
Three winners of the prestigious International Tchaikovsky Competition will take on lead roles: soprano Seo Sun-young as Rusalka, bass Park Jong-min as Vodnik and tenor Son Ji-hoon as the Prince. Internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Guadalupe Barrientos, along with other talented artists, will also perform, adding to the production’s artistic richness.
A representative from the foundation expressed hope that this performance will provide warmth and healing to all those navigating uncertain times.