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Classic Busan Artistic Director Myung-Whun Chung to Present His First Opera in Busan

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Classic Busan, under the Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon), announced that Artistic Director Myung-Whun Chung will conduct Beethoven’s opera Fidelio in Busan — marking his first opera performance in Korea since being appointed Artistic Director of Teatro alla Scala, Italy.

○ As the grand finale of the Busan Concert Hall Opening Festival, the concert-style production of Fidelio will be held twice:
– June 27 at 7:30 PM
– June 28 at 5:00 PM

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Beethoven’s only opera Fidelio is a historic masterpiece that proclaims human freedom and justice. It tells the story of love overcoming imprisonment and oppression, and is considered a musical reflection of Beethoven’s deep longing for universal brotherhood and liberty.

○ With the subtitle “Freedom Through Love,” the opera transcends simple drama, delivering a philosophical message.
Particularly moving are the scenes where Leonore disguises herself as a man to rescue her wrongfully imprisoned husband and the final chorus where justice prevails and freedom is restored.

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This performance holds special significance as it marks Maestro Chung’s first opera in Korea since assuming the post at Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses.

○ Chung will personally conduct the performance, sharing the profound artistry and humanistic insight he has cultivated on international stages.
He described Fidelio as “a rare work where music speaks to the essence of humanity,” hoping that it will serve not just as a closing performance, but as a symbolic declaration of a new era – “dispelling darkness and opening tomorrow with the light of hope.”

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The grand finale of the festival, echoing Beethoven’s ideals, will feature world-class artists assembled to elevate the performance.

○ Vocal Cast includes:
– Tenor Eric Cutler
– Sopranos Hrachuhi Bassenz and Park So-young
– Baritone Lee Dong-hwan, among others from the Metropolitan Opera and Vienna State Opera.

○ Asia Philharmonic Orchestra (APO):
– Comprising current and former members from over 20 renowned orchestras including the Tokyo Philharmonic, China’s National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic, and others.
– This festival orchestra gathers under the name APO to present the finest ensemble in celebration of the Busan Concert Hall’s grand opening.

○ Chorus & Production:
– The Busan Metropolitan Chorus (Artistic Director: Lee Gi-seon)
– The National Chorus of Korea (Artistic Director and President: Min In-gi)
– Direction by the acclaimed director Um Suk-jeong

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Tickets are available via:
– Busan Concert Hall Official Website
– Interpark
– YES24
– Ticket Link

○ For further inquiries, please contact Classic Busan at ☎ 051-640-8825.

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Park Min-jung, Director of Classic Busan, stated:

“By choosing Fidelio as the closing piece of the Busan Concert Hall Opening Festival, we aim not only to celebrate, but to share the essential value and social message of the arts.
This opera is a rare opportunity to experience the artistic depth and inspiration of Maestro Myung-Whun Chung.
We hope many citizens will discover the beauty of opera through this extraordinary event.”