SeAH Woon Hyung Lee Foundation to Present "Il Trovatore" ... Leading Efforts to Popularize Opera

Tenor Lee Yonghoon, who has performed at seven of the world's leading opera houses
Making his domestic debut as "Manrico"
Continuing the legacy of the late Lee Woonhyung, an "opera evangelist"
Expanding access to the fine arts culture of Korea

The SeAH Woon Hyung Lee Foundation announced on November 11 that it will present Verdi's opera "Il Trovatore" on November 17 at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall as this year's second SeAH Woon Hyung Lee Foundation concert.

Poster for the SeAH Woon Hyung Lee Foundation concert “Il Trovatore.” SeAH Group

The SeAH Woon Hyung Lee Foundation has held regular concerts since 2015, continuing the legacy of the late Lee Woonhyung, former chairman of SeAH Group, who cherished and supported opera during his lifetime. Each year, the foundation stages a carefully selected opera to expand the public's opportunities to enjoy culture and the arts and promote the sustainable development of the fine arts.

"Il Trovatore," which will be performed at this concert, is a major work considered one of Giuseppe Verdi's three great middle-period operas, alongside "Rigoletto" and "La Traviata." Set in 15th-century Spain, it depicts a tragedy intertwined with love, jealousy and revenge. The work showcases grand choruses, including the "Anvil Chorus," dramatic orchestration and highly sophisticated vocal techniques.

The concert is especially significant for bringing together singers active on the international stage. Tenor Lee Yonghoon, who has performed leading roles at seven of the world's major opera houses, will make his domestic stage debut as Manrico. Soprano Seo Sunyoung, winner of the Tchaikovsky International Competition, will play Leonora. They will be joined by baritone Lee Donghwan and mezzo-soprano Lee Danbi, who have performed at major European venues, as well as bass Kim Dongho, mezzo-soprano Kim Gayoung and tenor Kim Jinhoon, for a rich and polished performance.

The production and performing teams are also well equipped to bring the work to life. Director Pyo Hyunjin, who has demonstrated a distinctive approach across a range of opera productions, will direct. Under the baton of Kim Kwanghyun, music director of the Classical Busan Orchestra, the Gangnam Symphony Orchestra and Noi Opera Chorus will deliver the dramatic orchestration and majestic choruses characteristic of Verdi.

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