By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
The year 2007 came to a dim close for the domestic opera scene, with a fire at the Seoul Arts Center canceling productions. But spring has arrived, and major operas are burgeoning: ``Turandot,'' ``Lucia di Lammermoor'' (gala show), ``Aida'' and ``Turandot.''
The Seoul Metropolitan Opera Company will bring Giuseppe Verdi's time-honored ``La Traviata,'' Thursday through Sunday at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in northern Seoul.
``La Traviata'' was the first ever opera staged in Korea in 1948. This coming production will retain the original 17th century Italian romanticism, and will be perfect to celebrate the 60th anniversary of opera here.
Like the Italian master's other works, ``La Traviata'' is a classic melodrama speaking of love and jealousy, death and salvation, and revenge and passion. The beautiful but ill-fated Violetta and the rich, handsome Alfredo fall madly in love, but are separated by poverty, misunderstanding and maddening jealousy ― and ultimately, death.
Inspired by Alexandre Dumas' novel ``La Dame aux Camelias,'' it is the piece that makes Julia Roberts tear up in the hit film ``Pretty Woman.''
This is the third of the Seoul Metropolitan Opera's ``Verdi Big 5'' series. Internationally renowned soprano Mina Tasca and Park Jung-won, a prima donna who wowed France, will share the role of Violetta. Tickets cost 20,000-120,000 won. Call 1544-1887 for reservations or (02) 399-1783 for inquiries.