"Taking on Wagner for Six Hours"... Korea National Opera Presents Its First Full Production of 'Tristan und Isolde'

[Financial News] "This is a historic stage, presenting a masterpiece that marks the pinnacle of Wagner’s art and the dawn of modern music for the first time in Korea."
Korea National Opera will stage the full production of Richard Wagner’s groundbreaking 'Tristan und Isolde' for the first time in Korea. Running from December 4 to 7 at the Opera Theater of Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul, this production marks the second installment of the 'Wagner Series,' which began last year with 'Tannhäuser.' The project continues Choi Sangho’s ongoing strategy to build a future-oriented repertoire and achieve world-class production capabilities.
On the 27th, Director Choi stated, "I approached this as if it were my final production of my term, pouring all available budget and production resources into it. Through the premiere of Wagner’s masterpiece, we have elevated Korea’s opera production capabilities and laid the groundwork for reaching the global stage."■ "Six Hours of Wagner: An Ordeal and a Pilgrimage"'Tristan und Isolde' is a tragic love story based on Germanic Celtic mythology. Tristan, the king’s nephew, is tasked with bringing the Irish princess Isolde to marry the king. Isolde discovers that Tristan killed her fiancé and, seeking to avoid a humiliating marriage, attempts to drink poison. However, her maid substitutes a love potion, causing the two to fall into an irreversible love.
Reflecting Richard Wagner’s own unfulfilled love, this work is regarded as a turning point in Western music history, signaling the breakdown of tonality and introducing the concept of endless melody.
Choi Sangho explained, "Just surrender yourself to the flow of the music. It may last six hours, but there’s no need to be afraid. Even if you doze off and wake up, you can ride the waves of emotion again. While it may feel like an ordeal, it is ultimately more of a musical pilgrimage."
This production has drawn attention even before opening, as Jaap van Zweden, music director of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, will conduct. Weekend performances have already sold out.
Choi Sangho recalled, "I secured the conductor before the director. I have long known of his passion for Wagner, and when he first came to Korea, I met him in person. When I mentioned 'Tristan und Isolde,' he immediately grabbed my hand and said, 'Thank you.'"
It has been 13 years since the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra last performed an opera. Choi added, "Thanks to the continuous melodies, the orchestra essentially carries the performance alone. In Korea, only the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra can handle such musical challenges."■ Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Collaborates with World-Class VocalistsAs this is the first full production in Korea, world-renowned creatives have been invited. Direction is by Swiss director Stefan Märki, who received acclaim for presenting the same work at the German National Theater in Cottbus in 2023. Märki interprets the piece not as 'the end of love,' but as the beginning of 'true freedom in love,' expanding the original sea voyage into a journey through the cosmos.
The role of Tristan will be performed by Stuart Skelton, considered one of today’s leading Heldentenors—a tenor with powerful voice, stamina, and a dark timbre, especially prominent in Wagner’s works. Soprano Catherine Foster will take the role of Isolde. She has a unique background, having worked as a midwife and nurse before entering the world of opera and reaching the top. Another cast features tenor Bryan Register and Czech dramatic soprano Eliška Weissová. Rising stars discovered by Korea National Opera, including Lee Jaemyung, winner of the 24th Korea National Opera Vocal Competition Gold Prize, will also participate.
Choi Sangho noted, "The role of Tristan is so demanding that few singers can endure singing nearly two hours solo. Currently, only foreign singers can take on the role, but eventually, Korean vocalists will rise to the challenge and succeed. That is another significance of this stage."■ Transforming the Opera Company Through PremieresChoi Sangho, whose term ends in February next year, described the past three years as a period of fundamental transformation for the company. He focused on introducing a resident season soloist system, building a repertoire to international standards, and prioritizing premieres to structurally improve the opera ecosystem.
He reflected, "Nearly 40 resident soloists have emerged, and by taking on supporting roles, administrative burdens have been greatly reduced. Most importantly, the title of Korea National Opera resident has become a significant credential and source of pride for them."
The focus on premieres was also notable. More than half of the productions were Korean premieres, including 'The Italian Girl in Algiers,' 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' 'Die tote Stadt,' 'The Love for Three Oranges,' and the first full production of 'Tannhäuser' in the original language.
Choi Sangho specifically described Wagner as 'the ultimate test of Korea’s opera production capabilities,' stating, "Staging 'Tannhäuser' and 'Tristan und Isolde' consecutively is a step-by-step build-up toward producing 'Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring Cycle).' The Ring Cycle is not just a performance, but a testament to our cultural stature."
He also emphasized the need for Korea National Opera to become Asia’s leading 'opera house-style production institution,' highlighting the industrial and economic value of performing arts.
"Producing major works is more than just staging performances; it is a process of certifying our production capabilities in the global market. Performing arts are not a cost, but an investment."

jashin@fnnews.com Shin Jin-a Reporter