Korea National Opera to Host "International Opera Education Symposium"

July 7-9 at Seoul Arts and Culture Education Center in Seocho

The Korea National Opera announced on June 23 that it will host the "2025 International Opera Education Symposium" from July 7 to 9 at the Seoul Arts and Culture Education Center in Seocho.

This symposium is jointly organized by the Korea National Opera, the European Music Theatre Academy (EMA), and the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture, with support from the Saeai Unhyeong Cultural Foundation and the Austrian Embassy in Korea. A total of 24 opera experts from seven countries will participate under the theme "Singing. Pedagogy and Teaching Methods," sharing their insights on vocal education theory and the challenges faced in real educational settings, while seeking solutions.

EMA, established in Prague in 1992, is an international research organization that has promoted the exchange between scholars and artists and contributed to the artistic and academic advancement of music theater. For this symposium, the Korea National Opera has invited a diverse group of leading figures from the opera world, including EMA President Aviel Cahn, conductor Titus Engel, and Cologne University of Music and Dance Professor Arnold Jacobshagen, to share firsthand perspectives from the global opera scene.

The symposium will feature a total of 17 sessions, including six lectures, five roundtables focused on practical educational experiences and key issues, five masterclasses in vocal performance and opera direction, and, as the final event, a showcase concert featuring young trainees from the Korea National Opera Studio.

Choi Sangho, General Director and Artistic Director of the Korea National Opera, stated, "This symposium is not simply an academic event, but an open forum that connects education and the arts, sharing practical know-how that can be applied to real educational environments. I hope this symposium will serve as an opportunity to further expand the strengths and potential of Korean vocal education within the context of international educational discourse."

The 2025 International Opera Education Symposium is also open to the general public. Further details and information on how to register can be found on the Korea National Opera's official website.