Seoul Opera Ensemble, Opera Concertante 'Carmen' Performance

On the 15th at Lotte Concert Hall

'Carmen' performance scene [Photo by Seoul Opera Ensemble]

[Asia Economy Reporter Byunghee Park] The Seoul Opera Ensemble will perform Georges Bizet's opera "Carmen" in the opera concertante format at Lotte Concert Hall on the 15th.

Opera concertante is a concert-style opera performance that reduces the theatrical elements of opera and focuses on orchestral playing and vocalists' singing. The Seoul Opera Ensemble stated that through the opera concertante format, they aim to present an alternative for opera performances in the era of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The orchestra will perform in a four-level variable pit structure where musicians can maintain distance while accompanying, and they will showcase a spectacular stage using high-resolution video and moving lights.

To comply with social distancing level 2.5 quarantine measures, only 700 seats out of the total 2,000 seats at Lotte Concert Hall will be opened.

Artistic director Jang Su-dong of the Seoul Opera Ensemble will direct, and Unai Urecho, a conductor from the Basque region of Spain, where the background of "Carmen" is set, will conduct.

Mezzo-soprano Jo Mi-kyung will perform the role of Carmen, baritone Kang Hyung-kyu, winner of the Maria Callas Competition, will perform Escamillo, dramatic tenor Eom Seong-hwa will perform Don Jos?, and lyric soprano Park Yu-ri, known for her clear voice, will perform Micaela. Also appearing are soprano Hong Ye-seon, mezzo-soprano Kim Ju-hee, tenor Kim Jae-il, tenor Gu Bon-jin, and bass Park Jong-seon. The Beha Philharmonic Orchestra and Maesta Opera Choir will perform together.

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