Explore Unique Opera Productions This Month
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Earlier this month Beethoven's opera ``Fidelio'' was revived in Seoul, bringing a breath of fresh air to the local opera scene. Operagoers can look forward to more rarely performed pieces, such as ``Moses and Pharaoh,'' in concertante form, ``My Cup Overflows,'' an original local production, and ``Lucia di Lammermoor.''
`Moses and Pharaoh'
Rossini is best known for his comic operas such as ``The Barber of Seville,'' and his tragic opera ``Moses and Pharaoh (Moise et Pharaon)'' was rarely performed. It recently began to resurface, premiering in Korea in 2000 to critical acclaim and appearing at the La Scala Theater in Milan in 2003 under the baton of maestro Riccardo Muti.
The Seoul Opera Ensemble restaged the piece last December to fete the 60th anniversary of the introduction of opera here. This time the local troupe is offering a concertante performance titled ``Mose,'' May 22, at Seoul Arts Center.
While the concert featuring singers and orchestra will forego the catchy stage sets, talented vocalists such as bass Kim Yo-han (Moses) will enliven the bel canto arias of the piece. The opera will be sung in Korean. The Seoul National Symphony Orchestra and Grade Opera Chorus will join the singers.
Tickets cost from 20,000 (students) to 70,000 won. Call (02) 741-7389.
`Lucia di Lammermoor'
While ``Lucia di Lamermoor'' is one of the leading bel canto operas, local fans do not often get to see it. Singers, such as soprano Shin Young-ok, who played the lead role in North American productions, have sung arias from the opera in recitals.
The Korea National Opera brings Donizetti's tragic love story to life, in full, from May 22 to 23 at Goyang Aram Nuri Art Complex in Gyeonggi Province. The troupe brings the rendition that won them the 2008 Korea Opera Award at the Daegu International Opera Festival.
Based on a true Scottish story, the Italian opera features a star-crossed romance in the tradition of ``Romeo and Juliet.'' The famous ``Mad Scene'' has historically been a talent barometer for coloratura sopranos, and Lee Sang-eun, a winner of the 2007 Metropolitan Opera Competition, and Kim Soo-jung, who has appeared in title roles of local productions, will alternate the role of Lucia.
Tickets cost from 10,000 to 100,000 won. Call 1577-7766.
`My Cup Overflows'
Fans can look forward to something completely new showcasing modern creativity. ``My Cup Overflows'' met its world premiere in March at Seongnam Art Center, Gyeonggi Province, and was acclaimed as a fine addition to original homegrown productions. It will be on stage again May from 30 to 31 at the National Theater of Korea, downtown Seoul. It is the first time that a new local opera is being restaged.
Set during the Korean War (1950-53), it is based on the best-selling namesake novel of the 1980s. It tells the true story of a young man of faith, Maeng Ui-sun, who overcomes the trauma of war and demonstrates selfless love and sacrifice.
The production brings together top domestic talent: artistic direction veteran filmmaker Park Su-gil; scripting by Kim Soo-kyung, who won awards for several musicals; and music by composer-professor Park Young-geun.
Tickets cost from 20,000 to 100,000 won. Call (02) 586-0945.
`La Boheme'
The Seoul arts scene offers something more popular as well, Puccini's ``La Boheme.'' Gloria Opera Company will stage the bohemian love story at Seoul Arts Center's Opera House, May 26-30, under the baton of maestro Paolo Tariciotti.
Soprano Angela Papale and Park Mi-hye will share the role of Mimi. The silvery-voiced Park recently appeared opposite tenor Jose Carreras on his South Korean tour. Tenors Serigio Panajia and Lee Won-jun will alternate the part of Rodolfo.
There will be two performances on May 30 (Saturday). Tickets cost from 30,000 to 200,000 won. Call (02) 543-2351.