Family opera offers dose of Ravelian magic

By Lee Hyo-won

Staff reporter

Upon seeing the fantasy opera ``L'Enfant et les sortileges" (The Child and Magic), one might initially question ― what in the world was Maurice Ravel, the composer of lush virtuosic piano concertos and orchestral works like ``Bolero,'' doing, writing ragtime scores for a fox-trotting teapot and cup duo along with erratically melodic meows for cats?

The Korea National Opera is now offering the fairytale at Seoul Arts Center as part of its My First Opera series. ``L'Enfant,'' based on the scenario and libretto by the celebrated French novelist Colette, has rarely been staged since its 1925 premiere, and again one has to wonder why it hasn't already become a more seasonal production for the family.

And just because this is a fairytale doesn't mean it features simple music ― the opera features all the hallmarks of Ravelian harmonic tanginess in the orchestral and choral music, crowned by simple, unpretentious melodies. ``I believe in melody. Yes, melody, bel canto, vacalises, vocal virtuosity ― for me this is where I started off,'' the composer himself said. ``The score of `L'Enfant et les sortileges' is a very smooth blend of all the styles from all periods, from Bach all the way up to… Ravel.''

``It's accessible to children, but the opera features full, bursting orchestral colors, delightful ballet sequences and strong visuals. It's a truly composite artwork. The music itself is very sophisticated, and it's challenging for me as a singer,'' tenor June Byung-ho, who plays the role of a kooky math teacher and suave frog, told The Korea Times.

In Sunday's performance, tenor June, soprano Jung Si-young, who played the role of the mischievous boy protagonist, and mezzo-soprano Jung Soo-yeon, who portrays the mother, teacup and squirrel, and other talented singers, took a break from their usual dramatic roles for a fun, but no less technically challenging, vocal workout. A puppet theater format often seen in Europe was ingeniously employed to deliver the story from the child's point of view.

The boy, who, fed up with doing homework, sets off to destroy everything around him ― only to be punished by vengeful furniture, storybook characters and animals in a dream. The singers remain on the side of the stage while the nimble movements of the Korean National Ballet dancers continually and intimately intermingle with the action.

The My First Opera (MFO) Orchestra, comprised of budding musicians and led by the likewise youthful 26-year-old conductor Chung Min, ensures the production comes together. Chung highlights the wit and humor of Ravel's score all the while paying heed to the silence between the notes to keep rhythm with the singers and dancers.

Due to limited space in the Towol Theater, the piano, harp and various other percussion instruments visibly occupied both ends of the stage, but it allowed the audience to observe where the sounds were coming from. Young children, chattering loudly and some even crying when lights were dimmed, instantly hushed once the performance began as a fantasy world unfolded before their eyes. Though perched on elevated cushions, kids would crane their necks to see which instruments were making the curious noises of frogs and other creatures.

The one-hour performance showcases all the hallmarks of live theater that will entertain both children and adults alike. Director and choreographer Marguerite Donlon and stage/costume designer Martin Rupprecht dreamed up a cheerful, colorful production that made great use of the revolving stage, which itself is a sight to watch, to see the scenery change from an elegant living room to a lush, swampy forest complete with a giant tree made with green plastic brooms.

``I was surprised by the opening night performance (Saturday). I expected the kids in the audience to be noisy like they usually are in children's operas in Germany, but they were completely absorbed. I hope there will be more such opera projects for children,'' said June.

The tenor said his two sons, who are five and seven, thoroughly enjoyed the show. ``In Europe they have children's opera theaters, and I hope children in Korea can enjoy the same privilege. In this digital age, watching blockbusters at the cinema is great, but children should also be able to enjoy more diverse forms of entertainment. Children and family operas allow them to feel the magic of live stage work, to breathe together with the musicians,'' he said.

``L'Enfant'' continues through Sunday. Tickets cost from 10,000 to 50,000 won. Call (02) 586-5282 or visit www.nationalopera.org.