DOH Newsletter : April with <Faust>

This letter is for global theatre officials and audiences

2024. 4. 12.

To All of Our Global Friends 🌍

Greetings from Daegu Opera House. How are you? 🌸

Korea is pink with cherry blossoms. The walkways around Daegu Opera House are so gorgeous !

I find myself enjoying some peace and happiness right here. What's making you happy these days? :)

1️⃣ REVIEW : <Orfeo ed Euridice>

Our first season opera, <Orfeo ed Euridice> ended beautifully at the Daegu Opera House! They took us from funerals to hell, heaven, and back to earth, blending modern dance and choir harmonies for a visually and audibly stunning experience. Every moment kept all people captivated. 👀🔥🌌

Here's what people said after the performance 💭

👨: Scary Newlywed Life

👩: The hellfire was shocking and dancing on water was so beautiful

👴: Love to see a woman playing a male role

👧: This opera is recommended for both beginners and long-time fans

For those who missed the performance, we've prepared a video with highlights from the director and conductor's perspective! 🎥

WATCH THE VIDEO

2️⃣ COMING SOON : <Faust>

<Faust>, a representative French opera by Charles Gounod is a comprehensive stage art with a lyrical and romantic color, featuring various elements such as arias, choruses, and ballet.

It's about Dr. Faust, who strikes a deal with the devil Mephistopheles to regain his youth in exchange for his soul but ends up facing destruction.

Also, we hold a special lecture concert <Prima della Prima!>. It was consisted of the introduction, director's viewpoint, and main arias. The French opera, which is not easy to experience in Korea, made a strong impression on the audience. After the concert, everyone rushed to buy tickets! (Mephistopheles's magic 👻)

Here's the link to the video capturing for Prima della Prima!

Interested in <Faust>? 💬

📅 Dates: April 19th (Fri) 7:30 PM - 20th (Sat) 3 PM / 26th (Fri) 7:30 PM - 27th (Sat) 3 PM

📍Venue: Daegu Opera House

Es irrt der Mensch, solang' er strebt. - Faust

PRIMA DELLA PRIMA VIDEO

BOOK THE TICKET

BOOKING GUIDE

3️⃣ Interview with a rising star : <Sop. Ma Fei>

Remember the introduction about Opernstudio in the last newsletter? (Click)

Our young talents are representing opera house and they're busy these days with practices and classes. Fortunately, I had a interview with one of them, soprano Ma Fei! 💌

Q. Hi! Could you tell us about yourself?

I'm Ma Fei, a soprano from China. I graduated from Shandong Normal University in China and then continued my studies in Italy at Rome Conservatory for 5 years. I have won the Martinelli-Pertille and Tullio Serafin International Vocal Competitions, and participated in many concerts in Europe, notably at the Sancarlo Royal Theatre in Naples. Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. at Sangmyung University in Seoul also working in Daegu

Q. What a long journey! What made you to apply for Opernstudio at Daegu Opera House?

In Europe, opera theaters typically have academies for singers, and I was in Italy preparing for the Sancarlo Academy audition but the pandemic forced me to return to China. That's when I learned about the Opernstudio at Daegu Opera House. Knowing that many Chinese singers had performed there before, Daegu is particularly famous for opera, and their academy is the only professional one in Asia. I prepared for months in my application. I dedicated to focusing on language and musical excellence.

Q. Please share your thoughts on Opernstudio as a Chinese student

Opernstudio is the best opportunity for young talents to become true opera singers. Our courses are highly intensive, with masters from all over the world. Each course is step-by-step. We start by dissecting the music with coaches, then dive into acting with masters, and participate in weekly masterclasses for perfection. We are a total of 7 brilliant members, with 2 tenors, 1 baritone, 1 bass, and 3 sopranos and now preparing for an upcoming opera. So there's no need to worry. We focus solely on our music.

Q. How's the relationship with Opernstudio singers?

So heartwarming! Every day, we study together and make time to get to know each other by sharing meals. They want me to experience Korean culture and don't let me feel alone. Also, Our opera house managers care about me a lot. Thank you, everyone!

Q. You are an Opera Star in WeChat. Can you tell us more about that?

TikTok and WeChat are the most influential platforms in China. It's like an Instagram. I usually post when I sing and attach the score to the video to help people understand the music more easily. Recently, I uploaded introductory video about Daegu Opera House. I've amassed 13,000 followers in 6 months and aim to share these moments with broader audience.

Q. Lastly, what is your biggest dream?

My dream is to stay with my family enjoying our life but always with music!

And I want to share the message of happiness to all of our audiences. I sing every day as if it might be my last opportunity. I will do my best in my profession as much as I can! 💓

4️⃣ Lovely DOH Online supporters : <Opera Fan>

We recently had a first meetup with the Opera Fans, our loyal online supporters of the Daegu Opera House! Our bond is strong after 9 years, with many long-time friends! Anyone, regardless of nationality, job, or age, can become our Opera Fan. 🤝

It was amazing, from introducing Korea's only production theater to a heartfelt speech from our director, fun self-introductions, a thrilling theater tour, and a tasty lunch! 🍽️

Opera Fans get the privilege of complimentary tickets and share their enthusiasm on their social media! Notably this year, we welcomed new global friends! They will collaborate with our newsletter soon! 🌏

We recommend you to watch this short video made by our Opera Fan during the orientation. (click)