In honor of the 450th anniversary of the birth of William Shakespeare (1564-1616) in 2014, the Korea National Opera will stage two operas based on the English playwright’s works next year.

“Romeo et Juliette” by French composer Charles Gounod will be staged on Oct. 2-5 at the Seoul Arts Center Opera Hall. The tragic story of teenage lovers Romeo and Juliet has been one of the most loved romantic tales around the world, made into several film and uncountable TV adaptations, love songs and others.

The opera, premiered in 1867 at the Thtre-Lyrique Imprial du Chtelet, is famous for the main characters’ four duets and the waltz “Je veux vivre” for the soprano.

Julian Kovatchev, artistic and music director at Teatro del Giglio in Lucca, will lead the Korean Symphony Orchestra while Elijah Moshinsky, who already directed KNO’s “Don Carlos” earlier this year, will return, working with renowned tenor Francesco Demuro as Romeo and Korean soprano Lee Ha-young as Juliet. Richard Hudson, set designer of famed Broadway musical, “The Lion King,” will design the set and costumes. 

“Otello,” based on another Shakespearean tragedy, “Othello, Moor of Venice,” will be staged on Nov. 6-9 at the Seoul Arts Center Opera Hall. The piece composed by Verdi depicts dark-skinned Otello killing his wife only to face greater tragedy. Internationally acclaimed conductor Graeme Jenkins will take the baton to lead the Korean Symphony Orchestra, joining hands with equally renowned director Stephen Lawless, who has already worked with the KNO in “Die Fledermaus.”

Internationally popular lyric and lirico spinto tenor Antonello Palombi will take the title role, while Italian soprano Serena Farnocchia portrays Otello’s wife, Desdemona.

Also among the lineup is “Soul Mate,” written by Han A-reum and composed by Lim Jun-hee, which will be performed May 31-June 1 at the Seoul Arts Center Opera Hall. The romantic comedy, featuring the blossoming love between a man of high class and a maid, and an upper class woman and a servant, won favorable reviews at its premiere at the Theater Frankfurt in 2006.

For its Korean performance, Korean National University of Arts professor Chung Chi-yong will lead the Prime Philharmonic Orchestra in a production led by director Seo Jae-hyung.

The KNO will also offer familiar repertoires including Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” on March 12-16; Verdi’s “La Traviata” on April 24-27 and “Don Carlo” on May 22-24; and J. Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus” on Dec. 11-14. All operas will be staged at Seoul Arts Center Opera Hall.

“We are trying to find the balance between new productions, familiar repertoires and the most artistic pieces,” the KNO said.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)