Nuova Opera Company to Stage Signature Repertoire "The Tales of Hoffmann"
June 27-28 at Seoul Arts Center Opera Theater
Offenbach’s Masterpiece Depicting the Love and Solitude of an Artist
Winner of the Grand Prize at the 2012 Korea Opera Awards
To mark its 20th anniversary, the Nuova Opera Company will present its signature repertoire, "The Tales of Hoffmann," at the Opera Theater of the Seoul Arts Center on June 27 and 28.
"The Tales of Hoffmann," a masterpiece by Jacques Offenbach, is based on the literary world of German Romantic writer E.T.A. Hoffmann. Through the three loves experienced by Hoffmann, a poet and artist, the opera profoundly explores the illusions and fantasies of human desire, as well as the solitude that is the fate of artists.
Hoffmann’s fantastical love for the mechanical doll Olympia, his tragic love for the dying Antonia, and his destructive love for the enchanting Venetian woman Giulietta are each developed as independent tales, yet are woven together into a grand narrative. The unique structure, where reality and fantasy intertwine, along with Offenbach’s characteristically beautiful and rich melodies, are cited as reasons why this work has been beloved for so long.
This production will feature the New Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of conductor Yang Jinmo and will be directed by Lim Sunkyung. The Winner Opera Chorus and YS Children’s Arts Group will also participate to further enhance the quality of the performance.
The role of Hoffmann will be double cast with tenors Kim Dongwon and Heo Younghoon. Choi Jaeyeon and Kim Eunbyeol will alternate as Olympia, Lee Wooyeon and Sung Miji as Antonia, Lee Dami and Cho Eunhye as Giulietta, and Son Hojung and Kwon Subin as Nicklausse.
Founded in 2005, the Nuova Opera Company is a private opera troupe that has contributed to the development of opera culture in Korea by encompassing both classical and original operas. "The Tales of Hoffmann" is recognized as the company’s representative repertoire, having won the Grand Prize at the 5th Korea Opera Awards in 2012 for its artistic merit and excellence.
Hot Picks Today
Already Expensive..."I Eat Two Eggs Every Morning—This Is Too Much": Early Heatwave Sparks Egg Price Fears
- "Wow, This Is Addictive": Justin Bieber's Wife Raves About 'Ddungbaratte'... Foreign Tourists Flock to K-Convenience Stores [K-Holic]
- "Exorbitant Food Prices" Beer Costs 30,000 Won per Glass... Locals Outraged Over Record Price Gouging at the World Cup [Current Affairs Show]
- Foods That Make Your Face Less Attractive, According to a Plastic Surgeon... What Ranked Above Ham and Ramen?
- "Getting Your Hair Pulled and Kicked Is Routine... '9 Inmates Packed into 5 Pyeong' Cheongju Women's Prison, the Reality of Sweltering Heat [Reportage]"
Artistic Director Kang Minwoo stated, "'The Tales of Hoffmann' is the work that most symbolically embodies the artistic values and identity that Nuova Opera Company has pursued over the past 20 years. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, presenting this piece again is especially meaningful for us." He added, "Opera is the most beautiful form of comprehensive art, capturing human dreams, love, despair, and hope. Through this performance, I hope the audience can momentarily escape reality, experience a world of fantasy and emotion, and find deep resonance that leads them to reflect on life."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
