Natl Opera to Offer Premieres, Outreach Programs
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
The local opera scene has become increasingly vibrant in recent years, and the Korea National Opera (KNO) is determined to add more splashes of color this season by doubling the number of quality productions to reach out to a wider audience.
``I hope opera can be a medium that can deliver happiness to the public, through diverse productions that cater to different groups,'' said KNO director Lee So-jeong in a press meeting, Friday, at Seoul Arts Center.
Last year, the KNO gave 95 performances, but with increased government funding, it plans to almost double the number, to 188. With the state grant increased by 3 billion won from last year, plus additional support from corporate and private sponsors, the opera group will operate on a 10 billion won budget. With resources almost doubling those of 2009, it will expand business horizons and offer more outreach-oriented projects, said Lee.
The amplified account will naturally feed the quality of productions, said the director. ``As much as the level of Korean operas has improved, as well as the expectation level of the audience, we look forward to staging works that will be fresher and more original than ever,'' she said.
The opera troupe kicks off the year with Mozart's ``Idomeneo'' in January, followed by Verdi's ``Macbeth'' in March, Donizetti's ``Lucia di Lammermoor'' in April, Gluck's ``Orfeo & Euridice'' in May, Verdi's ``La Traviata'' in July, Boito's ``Mephistopheles'' in October and Berg's ``Lulu'' in November.
Korean Premieres
Of these productions, ``Idomeneo,'' ``Mephistopheles'' and ``Lulu'' are Korean premieres.
Maestro Chung Myung-whun, music director of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, will conduct ``Idomeneo'' from Thursday through Sunday at Seoul Arts Center.
The conductor, who has served as music director of the Paris Opera and appears regularly at La Scala, Italy, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming project.
``The piece features beautiful music while it also perfectly expresses the complexities of human emotions. It feels like a gift from God,'' he said about the opera, which he will conduct for the first time in 20 years since a project in Florence. He added that the opportunity will help the musical growth of the Seoul Philharmonic.
As an ``opera seria'' (serious style), it draws from ancient Greek mythology, and is considered the most sophisticated among Mozart operas. It is rarely performed due to its musical intensity and complex plotline, but the upcoming rendition, featuring two giants of the local classical music scene, is one of the year's most anticipated projects.
Meanwhile, Lee shared her anticipation for ``Lulu,'' explaining that the domestic opera industry is now capable enough to interpret modern opera pieces. It will be a chance for the audience to reflect upon modern life through 20th-century masterpieces, she said.
The foray into exciting new grounds will continue in 2011, said the director, with the year opening with Wagner's ``The Flying Dutchman.''
In addition to its subscription productions, the KNO will grace the opening of the 2010 Tongyeong International Music Festival in March with ``Orfeo & Euridice.'' In October, it will present Verdi's ``Aida'' in celebration of the 15th anniversary of Korea-Egypt diplomatic relations and the fifth anniversary of Seongnam Art Center.
Lee explained that the latter is part of KNO's efforts to increase its center of activities to include places outside of Seoul, where opera production is limited.
It will continue its outreach program by touring venues outside of the metropolis, and expand the number of visits to 117, from 50 last year. The group will also focus on reaching out to children through programs.
Also in town for the new season are homegrown productions, ``Jigui'' and ``Arang,'' of which preview showcases were held last year.
Tickets for ``Idomeneo'' cost from 20,000 to 150,000 won. Call (02) 586-5282 or visit www.nationalopera.org.