Conductor Myung-Whun Chung, Chosen by La Scala, to Lead Opera "Carmen"

The KBS Symphony Orchestra will present a concert version of Georges Bizet's masterpiece opera "Carmen" at its 825th regular concert, to be held at Lotte Concert Hall on April 17 and 18.

Myung-Whun Chung, Music Director of the KBS Symphony Orchestra, will take the podium, joined by a lineup of world-class vocalists.

Although this is a concert performance, it is drawing particular attention as it marks Myung-Whun Chung's first opera production with the KBS Symphony Orchestra in 29 years. In 1997, at the orchestra's 482nd regular concert, Music Director Chung made headlines by presenting Verdi's "Otello" in concert format for the first time in Korea.

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Maestro Chung is especially recognized as one of the world's leading opera conductors. This is further evidenced by his upcoming appointment as Music Director of Italy's Teatro alla Scala, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world.

Chung is set to take over as Music Director of La Scala from Riccardo Chailly starting in 2027. Founded in 1778, La Scala is considered one of the three greatest opera houses in the world, alongside the Paris Opera and the Vienna State Opera. Countless masterworks-including Giuseppe Verdi's "Nabucco" (1842) and "Otello" (1887), as well as Giacomo Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" (1904)-had their world premieres at La Scala.

In Korea, opportunities to experience Maestro Chung's opera conducting have been rare, which raises anticipation for this performance.

The "Carmen" to be conducted by Chung is Bizet's representative opera, which premiered in 1875. Set against the passionate backdrop of Spain, it tells the tragic love story of Carmen, a free-spirited Gypsy woman, and Don Jose, a soldier who becomes enamored with her. With famous arias such as "Habanera" and "Toreador Song," "Carmen" remains one of the world's most beloved operas today.

This performance features a cast of acclaimed vocalists active on the international stage. The role of Carmen will be performed by world-renowned Russian mezzo-soprano Alisa Kolosova, while Mexican-American tenor Galeano Salas will appear as Don Jose. Bass-baritone Kim Byoungkil, who is active as a soloist in Germany, will perform as the toreador Escamillo, and acclaimed soprano Kim Sunyoung, beloved by the public, will take the stage as the pure-hearted Micaela, adding further emotional depth to the production.

A representative of the KBS Symphony Orchestra stated, "We anticipate that the depth of 'Carmen' as interpreted by Maestro Myung-Whun Chung-an authority on opera conducting who, last year, was appointed Music Director of the world-renowned Teatro alla Scala-will shine through in this performance. As it is being presented in concert format, the audience will be able to focus even more on the music itself, making the experience all the more moving."

Tickets for the 825th regular concert of the KBS Symphony Orchestra can be reserved through NOL Ticket and the Lotte Concert Hall website.

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