With nearly six decades of expertise under his belt, legendary opera singer Placido Domingo feels like he has only recently reached his life’s goal.
“Even in my 30s, I had always said that I dream of having a place where young artists can learn and grow one day,” said the maestro at a press conference held at the W Seoul-Walkerhill in Gwangjang-dong, Seoul on Friday.
Now the 12-time Grammy-Award winner has brought his dream to Seoul.
Recognized as the “King of Opera,” Domingo -- best known as an original member of the Three Tenors -- will be holding what is likely to be his last performance in the country. He will be joined by four young and emerging Korean classical singers: Kim Keon-woo, Moon Se-hoon, Park Hye-sang and special guest soprano Kang Hye-myung.
 |
(From left) Conductor Eugene Kohn, soprano Kang Hye-myung, maestro Placido Domingo, soprano Park Hye-sang and tenors Kim Keon-woo and Moon Se-hoon pose for a photo at a press conference held at the W Seoul-Walkerhill in Gwangjang-dong, Seoul on Friday. (Yonhap) |
“This will be my first time standing on a big stage in Korea, and it’s a great honor to share this experience with maestro Placido Domingo,” said Moon, who was a finalist in this year’s Operalia held in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Founded in 1993, Operalia is the brainchild of Domingo’s lifelong passion to discover and foster the best of the young opera singers of today. Kim, 30, was crowned the ultimate winner among all male singers at this year’s competition.
While many opera singers wind down in their later years, the tenor does not seem to be slowing down.
Two years ago, he graced the classical world with his 15-track album “Encanto del Mar - Mediterranean.” Just this year, he performed at the opening of Dubai Opera, took on the role of Macbeth in LA Opera’s season opening, and is scheduled to perform throughout major European cities, including London, Milan and Valencia, in the coming months.
 |
Legendary opera singer Placido Domingo speaks at a press conference held at the W Seoul-Walkerhill in Gwangjang-dong, Seoul on Friday. (Yonhap) |
Accompanied by the Prime Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Eugene Kohn, Domingo’s upcoming performance in Korea will begin with iconic pieces from Italian and French composers, such as Giuseppe Verdi, Georges Bizet, Gioachino Rossini and others. In the second act, the maestro will return as a conductor, presenting compositions by Amadeo Vives and Pablo Sorozabal.
“The world of opera is immortal unless we become mechanical people without feelings and suffering,” said Domingo of the future of opera. “Education systems all over the world must understand the importance of creating a playful environment for kids to learn about classical music and to respect traditional composers.”
The concert will be held at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul on Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets range from 110,000 won ($100) to 330,000 won, and are available at ticket.interpark.com.
By Kim Yu-young (
ivykim@heraldcorp.com)
