Vienna State Opera to Perform in Seoul

Vienna State Opera will perform for the first time in Korea at Seoul Arts Center, Sept.19-20. /Courtesy of Vienna State Opera

By Lee Hyo-won

Staff Reporter

The internationally celebrated Wiener Staatsoper, or Vienna State Opera, will visit Seoul for the first time with a festive spirit, performing ``Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro)'' at the Seoul Arts Center, Sep. 19-20. Maestro conductor Seiji Ozawa will lead the Opera, the oldest theatrical institution with an unbroken record of performing in the German-speaking world.

``Le Nozze di Figaro,'' the timeless 1786 piece by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, with Italian libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte, will be brought to life by over 100 performers from the State Opera orchestra, chorus and opera singers.

Taking place in Seville, Spain, in the palace of the Count Almaviva, the opera recounts and traces the hectic, crisscrossed romantic relationships of several couples.

Although the piece created a great scandal for its controversial plotline involving adultery and other complications during the time of Mozart, it is regarded as one of Mozart's most successful works. Its famous overture has been often played as a concert piece, appearing frequently in the repertoire of concerts here.

Seiji Ozawa, particularly known for his interpretations of large-scale Romantic works, has visited Korea several times to lead the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Classical music fans should not miss this rare opportunity, which may be the first and last. The 72-year-old music director's term with the 138-year-old opera ends in 2012.

While Ozawa's institutional presence in the musical world needs no introduction, he received the 2001 Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur, one of the highest mentions of distinction awarded by the French government, as well as the Doctorate Honoris Causa from the Sorbonne in 2004.

Tickets cost 450,000 won (V.I.P.); 350,000 won (R); 250,000 won (S); 150,000 (A), 80,000 won (B); 50,000 won (C); and 30,000 won for students. The chorus seats will be open Sep.20 exclusively for students. Call (02) 1577-5266 to reserve tickets.