Korean Opera Singers, the UST Singers and La Traviata

with baritone Dae-San No

with conductor Jae-Joon Lee

with director Floy Quintos

with tenor Jae-Wook Lee

with the whole cast!

with soprano Yun-Kyoung Yi

I didn't know that Korean opera singers were THAT good till last night when I saw three of their opera stars impress the local Manila audience who gave them a standing ovation after the performance of La Traviata.  Soprano Yun-Kyoung Yi was a revelation and her powerful voice floated through the CCP as she sang aria after aria.  She's also incredibly nice and accommodating to her fans.

Conductor Jae-Joon Lee led the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra into producing the dazzling music of Verdi.  He was also quite approachable as well after the show.  Tenor Jae-Wook Lee, who portrayed Alfredo, and baritone Dae-San No, gave absorbing solo as well as duet performances, with each other as well as with Kyoung Yi, which really delighted the audience that evening. 

I too, stood up to give all of them a standing ovation after the show.  The sets and costumes were dazzling and beautiful, something which we can really be proud of!  Finally, the UST Singers was the perfect companion to these soloists as they gave ample support especially during popular numbers like Libiamo (The Drinking Song), which for me was one of the most beautiful segments last night.

I am looking forward to the other operas to be staged this year!  It's really turning out to be a fantastic year for the local classical music scene!