Sejong Center to Present Outdoor Opera "La Traviata" on the Han River... Recruiting 100 Citizen Choir Members

Mulbit Stage, Yeouido Hangang Park, May 22–23

The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts announced on April 21 that it will stage Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece “La Traviata” at the Mulbit Stage in Yeouido Hangang Park on May 22 and 23.

For this production, which brings together professional vocalists and a community arts choir, the Sejong Center is recruiting 100 members for its citizen choir until April 30. The recruitment category is chorus. Selected participants will receive guidance from a professional production team and begin full-scale rehearsals starting from May 4, participating in every stage from rehearsals to the actual performance. Each member will receive a commemorative gift, and their names will be included in the performance program. Applications must be submitted via email, along with a video of a choral performance and the application form. Further details can be found on the Sejong Center’s official website.

To broaden citizens’ access to culture and the arts, and to expand the reach of opera, the Sejong Center has been consistently presenting outdoor operas at Gwanghwamun Square since 2023, beginning with “Carmen.” In 2024, “Cavalleria Rusticana” was performed, and last year, “The Magic Flute” was staged at Gwanghwamun Square. This year, the venue moves to Yeouido Hangang Park, where a stage in the Art Nouveau style will be created to harmonize with the open atmosphere and scenery of the Han River.

The production team includes conductor David Lee, recognized for his sophisticated interpretations, and director Lee Hoe-su, known for his delicate stage language. The role of Violetta will be performed by sopranos Lee Hyejeong and Park Soyoung, while tenors Jeong Hoyoon and Kim Minseok will alternate as Alfredo. Baritones Kong Byungwoo and Kim Kihoon are cast as Germont, and the role of Annina will be shared by sopranos Kim Dongyeon and Shin Hyeri. Adding an unexpected twist, an actual medical doctor will make a cameo as Doctor Grenvil in the production.

An Ho-sang, President of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, stated, “This performance on the banks of the Han River will allow citizens to enjoy culture and the arts more comfortably in their daily lives, and to experience the unique appeal of opera in an open space. I hope it will become a memorable and special early summer evening for all who visit the Han River.”

Reservations for attendance will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through the Sejong Center’s website, starting from 2 p.m. on April 27. For audience members aged 65 or older who are less familiar with digital devices, up to 200 people will be admitted on the day of the performance via onsite standby, also on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the nature of an outdoor performance, the event may be postponed in the case of rain, and any related announcements will be posted separately on the Sejong Center’s website.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.