Popular broadcaster Jun Hyun Moo is set to step into the world of classical music as the narrator for the Opera Gala Concert: Opera Stories Told by Jun Hyun Moo, hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Opera at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on December 7.

Accompanied by the Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Jang Yun Seong, the event will feature celebrated baritones Kim Ki Hoon and Son Ji Hoon. Together, they will present an evening filled with iconic opera pieces under the themes of “Love,” “Happiness,” and “Connection.”

The repertoire includes highlights from full-length operas previously showcased by the Seoul Metropolitan Opera since 2022. Attendees can expect performances from classics such as Puccini’s La Bohème, Verdi’s Rigoletto, Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore, and Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro.

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Puccini’s death, the concert will feature the iconic La Bohème arias, including Che gelida manina (Your Tiny Hand is Frozen) and O soave fanciulla (Oh Lovely Girl).

Other highlights include The Bell Song from Delibes’ Lakmé and The Toreador Song from Bizet’s Carmen. These pieces, renowned for their emotional depth and musical brilliance, promise to captivate audiences.

Jun Hyun Moo, known for his engaging storytelling and sharp wit, will provide insights into the featured operas, bridging the gap between classical music and the general audience. His narration aims to make the event more accessible, offering historical and thematic context to enrich the experience.

The Opera Gala Concert is poised to be a cultural highlight of the holiday season, bringing together world-class music, powerful performances, and compelling narration. It underscores the Sejong Center’s commitment to expanding the reach of classical music through innovative programming.

Tickets are expected to sell quickly as music enthusiasts and newcomers alike anticipate this unique collaboration between one of Korea’s most beloved broadcasters and the realm of opera.

Sayart / Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com