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Korea Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
'The Rising World' - a message-driven opera that wades through cloudy narrative
While not perfect, 'The Rising World' marks a bold and promising step for the Seoul Arts Center. "Tick, tick, tick, tick ..." A chorus encircles a giant ticking clock as they chant. Inside is a figure -- an artisan who sacrifices herself to restore order. Her act saves the princess and many others from a world submerged by water. What follows, the scene shows, is left to those who remain. One might read this as an allegory -- a warning about climate change, or a meditation on the power of unconditional sacrifice. In its first-ever original opera production, the Seoul Arts Center on Sunday premiered 'The Rising World,' composed by Mary Finsterer with a libretto by Tom Wright. While the music -- performed by the cast and the Korean National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Steven Osgood -- was solidly executed, the narrative's arrival at that core message required the audience to wade through water -- slow and murky. The new opera presents a female-driven drama performed by top singers, soprano Hwang Soo-mi and mezzo-soprano Kim Jung-mi, set in an imaginative world that suffers from rising water after the princess becomes possessed by a water spirit. It offers no explanation of why the princess is possessed. That lack of exposition might have been forgivable -- even compelling -- had the narrative flowed with greater emotional momentum. A dramatic scene in which court advisers argue over how to handle the princess' possession stretches on without a dramatic payoff. One wonders if, with tonal variation -- even humor -- this segment could have landed more effectively. Musically, the score feels accessible and at times gently textured. Fluidity runs through the opera, echoing the motif of water throughout its orchestration, but it falls short of a powerful moment of catharsis. Visually, the aesthetic of the set and costumes evokes Denis Villeneuve's "Dune" -- a world defined by slate grays and deep blues. The stage is minimal yet symbolic, evoking ancient ruins. With this work, the Seoul Arts Center signals its ambition to reach global audiences through an English-language opera, backed by an international creative team -- including director Stephen Carr, who ensured that the production also incorporated culturally resonant elements for Korean audiences, such as traditional jars, the melancholic twang of the geomungo, and chants delivered in Korean. "The Rising World" will be presented two more times on May 29 and 31. gypark@
Korea Herald
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Seoul Arts Center premieres new opera 'The Rising World,' blending myth, invention and global vision
In its first venture into producing an original opera, the Seoul Arts Center has partnered with an international creative team — and chosen English as the language of performance. 'The Rising World: The Spirit of Water,' set to premiere in May, draws inspiration from Korea's historical water clock and the country's rich folklore surrounding water spirits. According to the creative team, the opera is not an adaptation of an existing tale, but a newly imagined story that weaves Korean cultural motifs into a universal dramatic framework. Composer Mary Finsterer, known for her work across opera, film and orchestral music, described the piece as one of her most personal works to date. 'The story isn't rooted in a specific culture,' she explained. 'But Korean elements like the water clock and water spirit helped shape a world that speaks to all audiences.' Finsterer also incorporated Korean traditional instruments and sound textures into the score, including a geomungo cadenza performed live on stage. The geomungo is a traditional Korean plucked zither known for its deep, resonant timbre. Musically, 'The Rising World' emphasizes fluidity, echoing the motif of water throughout its orchestration, the composer explained. Finsterer said it blends conventional and electroacoustic elements, including the rare waterphone instrument, to evoke the elemental force of water. 'Every single note she writes — whether it's note length, rhythm, pitch, or phrasing — tells something very specific about what a character is feeling,' said conductor Steven Osgood, a veteran of more than thirty opera world premieres. Osgood is set to lead the Korean National Symphony Orchestra at the premiere. The opera centers on two female protagonists — a princess and an inventor — who drive the narrative as they confront environmental catastrophe and the corrupting force of power. Soprano Hwang Su-mi and mezzo-soprano Kim Jung-mi, who portray the lead roles, emphasized that while the opera highlights gender dynamics, its core message lies in the intergenerational transmission of wisdom and responsibility. 'This isn't just a story about two women,' Hwang noted. 'It's about how the younger generation rises to inherit and reshape the future.' 'There is no love story. Instead, it explores themes like the environment, power dynamics between the monarchy and the people, and offers reflections on Korea's current social context,' Hwang added. The cast also includes tenor Robin Tritschler, a seasoned performer with credits at Covent Garden's Royal Opera House and the Salzburg Festival, who plays the apprentice, and bass-baritone Ashley Riches, a globally acclaimed recitalist, in the role of the king. Countertenor Jung Min-ho, an early music specialist active in both Korea and Europe, takes on the role of the Spirit of Water, bringing an ethereal, otherworldly quality to the production. 'The Rising World' project dates back to 2022, when the Seoul Arts Center announced a renewed commitment to opera by strengthening its in-house productions. That initiative has included collaborations with the Royal Opera House on 'Norma' and 'Otello,' and now culminates in the world premiere of an entirely original work. 'We wanted to do more than just import foreign productions,' said Suh Kou-nee, general director of artistic planning and operations at SAC. 'This time, we aimed to create an opera that resonates globally while still reflecting a distinctly Korean identity.' Explaining the decision to stage the opera in English, Suh emphasized that it was not about prioritizing international markets, but rather about adopting a language that could reach the widest possible audience while still honoring Korean themes. 'After Korean, the most familiar language here is English,' she said. 'This is a Korean production told in a global voice.' With international staging in mind, SAC has begun negotiations with opera houses in Asia and Europe for performances in the 2027-28 seasons and established a partnership with Schott Music, the prestigious German publisher known for releasing first editions of 'Don Giovanni,' 'The Ring Cycle' and more recently, works by Stravinsky. 'The Rising World: The Spirit of Water' will have its world premiere at the Seoul Arts Center's Opera House on May 25, with additional performances scheduled for May 29 and 30.
Korea Herald
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
April in Seoul a time for classical music
Two leading spring festivals -- Orchestra Festival and Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music -- shine in the capital Classical music takes center stage in Seoul this month with two standout festivals: the Seoul Arts Center's Orchestra Festival and the Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music. The Orchestra Festival brings together 18 symphony orchestras from across the country in one place while the Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music celebrates its 20th anniversary. Seoul Arts Center's Orchestra Festival The Seoul Arts Center's Orchestra Festival, now in its 37th year, offers a rare opportunity to enjoy performances by 18 orchestras from around the country without ever leaving the capital. The 2025 edition, themed "The New Beginning," runs April 1 to April 20 at the Seoul Arts Center, featuring performances by leading Korean ensembles including the Korean National Symphony Orchestra, KBS Symphony Orchestra, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Busan Philharmonic Orchestra and Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra. This year's festival highlights a new generation of conductors such as David Yi (Gangnam Symphony Orchestra), Yoon Han-kyeol (Korean National Symphony Orchestra), Hong Seok-won (Busan Philharmonic Orchestra), Kim Sun-wook (Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra) and Adrien Perruchon (Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra) and more and showcases a diverse repertoire that bridges classical traditions with contemporary works. The festival also hosts the Orchestra Festival Master Class in collaboration with the Korean National Symphony Orchestra, providing educational opportunities for young musicians. To reach a broader audience, the Seoul Arts Center offers free live streaming of all performances through its digital stage platform. Live broadcasts will also be available at the outdoor plaza of the Seoul Arts Center and the plaza of Busan Cinema Center, allowing audiences to enjoy the Orchestra Festival from anywhere. Ticket prices range from 20,000 won ($13.50) to 50,000 won. Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music will continue the celebration of classical music April 22 to May 4. Under the theme "20 Candles," symbolizing two decades of devotion to chamber music, the festival will feature 14 performances at various venues including the Seoul Arts Center, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and the historic residence of former President Yun Po-sun. Over the course of 13 days, 69 artists active on the global stage are preparing to stage 14 performances. Artistic Director Kang Dong-suk, the renowned violinist who has led the festival since its inception, has curated performances that emphasize the number 20, such as a recital with 20 musicians and concerts featuring Opus 20 compositions. On April 27, "Opus 20" will feature Beethoven's Septet in E-flat Major, Brahms' 3 Duets for Soprano, Alto and Piano and Mendelssohn's Octet in E-flat Major. Also to celebrate the festival's 20th anniversary, the family concert on April 26 will feature the return of the French clarinet ensemble Les Bons Becs, who last performed in Korea in 2008 and 2010. 'Sweet 20s" on May 3 will feature compositions that were written when the composers were in their 20s and many performers performing this day are also in their 20s. The festival's signature outdoor concert, which is to take place at former President Yun Po-sun's house, on April 26, will feature works inspired by spirituality and religion, featuring music by Florence Price, Andre Jolivet, Dvorak and Mendelssohn. A concert titled "All-Time Favorites" April 29 will present a collection of the most beloved and frequently programmed works from the festial's 20-year history. "Better Late than Never" on May 1 will spotlight masterworks which have never been performed at SSF before -- despite deserving a place long ago. All performances are priced between 20,000 won and 70,000 won, with the exception of the Yun Po-sun's House concert, which is priced at 150,000 won.
Korea Herald
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Fujita Mao, inspired by Korean musicians and culture, excited to present his first recital
26-year-old Japanese virtuoso discusses expanding his repertoire beyond Mozart and distancing from social media Japan's rising pianist Fujita Mao has gained international acclaim for his interpretations of Mozart, including a highly praised recording of the complete Mozart Piano Sonatas, his debut album released in October 2022. Having performed the complete sonatas at major venues like the Verbier Festival, Wigmore Hall, and concert halls across Japan, Fujita, 26, is now set to showcase a different side of his artistry. 'Mozart is, without a doubt, my favorite composer. More than 50 percent of the concertos I perform are by him, and I'm grateful he composed 27 -- it means I can continue to challenge myself every year. But I also want to expand my repertoire and explore beyond Mozart,' he said in a recent email interview. For his first recital in Korea, Fujita will take a break from Mozart to perform Alexander Scriabin's 24 Preludes, Op. 11 and Fantasie in B minor, Op. 28, along with Frederic Chopin's 24 Preludes, Op. 28. 'Chopin and Scriabin's 24 preludes form a kind of musical cycle, showcasing a sense of harmonic circulation,' Fujita explained, adding that Chopin admired Bach and Bach's influence can be found throughout Chopin's works, particularly in his harmonic transitions and chromatic progressions. 'Scriabin, in turn, was deeply inspired by Chopin, which makes performing their Preludes together a fascinating contrast. Although Scriabin revered Chopin, he forged his own distinct musical path,' Fujita noted. 'This performance presents an excellent opportunity to explore and compare the two composers' tonal colors, harmonic language, and structural development, offering listeners a deeper appreciation of their musical evolution,' he added. Fujita also shared his excitment about presenting his first recital in Korea. 'I know many Korean artists, and I've always admired their musicianship. It makes me curious about their cultural and musical upbringing,' he said. 'In 2023, I visited Korea with the Czech Philharmonic, and before that, I performed at the Seoul Arts Center in a gala concert after the Tchaikovsky Competition. I noticed how incredibly focused and passionate Korean audiences are, which makes me even more thrilled to present my first solo recital here.' Beyond performing, Fujita has a deep personal interest in Korean culture. 'I enjoy Korean films and dramas, and my family and I often watch them together. And of course, I can't wait to try Korean food, especially the spicy dishes,' he added. Fujita began playing piano at three and won multiple international awards, including at the Rosario Marciano International Piano Competition and the Zhuhai International Mozart Competition. He gained global attention in 2019 when he won the silver medal at the International Tchaikovsky Competition. His first Korean recital will take place at 5 PM on Feb. 23 at the Seoul Arts Center. Tickets range from 30,000 to 80,000 won. When asked about his interests beyond music, he shared, 'I've stepped away from social media entirely since last December. I used to follow updates on artists like Lim Yunchan and world orchestras, but I eventually realized that music itself connects us more deeply than online posts. While I still share updates when necessary, I now consider 'social media distancing' my hobby.'
Korea Herald
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Fujita Mao, inspired by Korean musicians and culture, excited to present his first recital
26-year-old Japanese virtuoso discusses expanding his repertoire beyond Mozart and distancing from social media Japan's rising pianist Fujita Mao has gained international acclaim for his interpretations of Mozart, including a highly praised recording of the complete Mozart Piano Sonatas, his debut album released in October 2022. Having performed the complete sonatas at major venues like the Verbier Festival, Wigmore Hall, and concert halls across Japan, Fujita, 26, is now set to showcase a different side of his artistry. 'Mozart is, without a doubt, my favorite composer. More than 50 percent of the concertos I perform are by him, and I'm grateful he composed 27 -- it means I can continue to challenge myself every year. But I also want to expand my repertoire and explore beyond Mozart,' he said in a recent email interview. For his first recital in Korea, Fujita will take a break from Mozart to perform Alexander Scriabin's 24 Preludes, Op. 11 and Fantasie in B minor, Op. 28, along with Frederic Chopin's 24 Preludes, Op. 28. 'Chopin and Scriabin's 24 preludes form a kind of musical cycle, showcasing a sense of harmonic circulation,' Fujita explained, adding that Chopin admired Bach and Bach's influence can be found throughout Chopin's works, particularly in his harmonic transitions and chromatic progressions. 'Scriabin, in turn, was deeply inspired by Chopin, which makes performing their Preludes together a fascinating contrast. Although Scriabin revered Chopin, he forged his own distinct musical path,' Fujita noted. 'This performance presents an excellent opportunity to explore and compare the two composers' tonal colors, harmonic language, and structural development, offering listeners a deeper appreciation of their musical evolution,' he added. Fujita also shared his excitment about presenting his first recital in Korea. 'I know many Korean artists, and I've always admired their musicianship. It makes me curious about their cultural and musical upbringing,' he said. 'In 2023, I visited Korea with the Czech Philharmonic, and before that, I performed at the Seoul Arts Center in a gala concert after the Tchaikovsky Competition. I noticed how incredibly focused and passionate Korean audiences are, which makes me even more thrilled to present my first solo recital here.' Beyond performing, Fujita has a deep personal interest in Korean culture. 'I enjoy Korean films and dramas, and my family and I often watch them together. And of course, I can't wait to try Korean food, especially the spicy dishes,' he added. Fujita began playing piano at three and won multiple international awards, including at the Rosario Marciano International Piano Competition and the Zhuhai International Mozart Competition. He gained global attention in 2019 when he won the silver medal at the International Tchaikovsky Competition. His first Korean recital will take place at 5 PM on Feb. 23 at the Seoul Arts Center. Tickets range from 30,000 to 80,000 won. When asked about his interests beyond music, he shared, 'I've stepped away from social media entirely since last December. I used to follow updates on artists like Lim Yunchan and world orchestras, but I eventually realized that music itself connects us more deeply than online posts. While I still share updates when necessary, I now consider 'social media distancing' my hobby.'
