The Seoul Arts Center will premiere the original opera created in English, "The Rising World: The Spirit of Water," targeting the global market this May. Through The Spirit of Water, the Seoul Arts Center plans to further elevate its status as a producing theater.
The Spirit of Water is an English opera that reinterprets traditional Korean themes with a modern sensibility. The protagonists are a princess enchanted by the spirit of water and a female water clock artisan who tries to change the fate of the kingdom. The story highlights the adventures and sacrifices of these two female characters, presenting a narrative distinct from conventional operas.
The setting of the work is a kingdom endlessly flooded by water. The kingdom’s princess lives isolated from the world due to an unexplained illness. In search of a way to save the princess and the kingdom, the royal family summons a water clock artisan and her apprentice to the palace to create a water clock.
The Spirit of Water is composed by Mary Finsterer, an Australian opera composer affiliated with the world-renowned music publisher Schott Music, with the libretto by playwright Tom Wright. Steven Osgood, who gained attention for conducting the acclaimed productions "Dead Man Walking" and "Grounded" at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, will lead the National Symphony Orchestra as conductor, while the innovative director Steven Carg will take charge of the production.
A large number of talented vocalists from Korea and abroad will appear. The role of the princess enchanted by the spirit of water will be performed by soprano Hwang Sumi, who moved audiences worldwide by singing the Olympic anthem at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics opening ceremony. The role of the artisan who makes the water clock to save the kingdom will be played by mezzo-soprano Kim Jungmi, known for her distinctive charisma.
Soprano Hwang Sumi, starring as the protagonist "Princess" in "Spirit of Water" Photo by Jewon Kim, courtesy of Seoul Arts Center
Tenor Robin Tritschler, active on world-renowned stages such as the Royal Opera House in the UK and the Salzburg Festival, will perform as the artisan’s apprentice, and bass-baritone Ashley Rich will appear as the ruling king of the kingdom. Countertenor Jung Minho, active as an early music soloist in Korea and Europe, will take on the role of the spirit of water, adding a sense of mystery to the production.
The Spirit of Water will be performed three times at the Seoul Arts Center Opera Theater on May 25, 29, and 31.
Seoul Arts Center paid members can pre-book tickets starting at 2 p.m. on the 11th, and general ticket sales will begin at 2 p.m. on the 12th. Ticket prices are KRW 180,000 for R seats, KRW 140,000 for S seats, KRW 100,000 for A seats, KRW 60,000 for B seats, KRW 30,000 for C seats, and KRW 10,000 for D seats. Early bird discounts apply for bookings made by the 31st. Tickets can be purchased through the Seoul Arts Center website, call center, and Interpark.
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