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Classic Busan to Hold the Busan Opera House Outdoor Opera Festival “Carmen”

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Classic Busan announced that it will host the Busan Opera House Outdoor Opera Festival “Carmen” on July 11 and 12 at a special stage set up at the Busan North Port Landmark Site.

This performance is a large-scale outdoor opera project designed to allow all citizens to enjoy world-class opera ahead of the opening of the Busan Opera House. With the cooperation of the Busan Port Authority, the event will be held at the special stage on the Busan North Port Landmark Site.

Artistic Director Chung Myung-whun, the Asia Philharmonic Orchestra (APO), and leading vocalists from Korea and abroad will come together to illuminate Busan’s summer nights.

“Carmen,” a masterpiece by French composer Georges Bizet, is one of the most beloved operas in history, featuring renowned arias such as “Habanera” and the “Toreador Song.”

Through the tragic love story of the free-spirited and passionate gypsy woman Carmen and the soldier Don José, who falls in love with her, the opera explores human desire, freedom, and fate, continuing to captivate audiences around the world.

The production is generating heightened anticipation as Artistic Director Chung Myung-whun, who successfully presented the concert opera “Carmen” at Busan Concert Hall last year, once again takes the podium as conductor.

Last year, Chung Myung-whun received acclaim from both audiences and critics for his presentation of the concert opera “Carmen” during the Busan Concert Hall Opening Festival. This year’s production returns on an even larger scale with greater artistic depth for the citizens of Busan.

Set against the expansive backdrop of Busan North Port, the performance is expected to offer a new cultural experience that combines opera and festival elements. Director Eom Sook-jung will present a new interpretation of “Carmen,” utilizing the openness of the waterfront venue to create a visually spectacular production. By taking full advantage of the outdoor stage environment with rich visual attractions and dramatic staging, the production is designed to be accessible and engaging even for first-time opera audiences.

Mezzo-soprano Michèle Losier, who received enthusiastic praise from critics and audiences alike for her portrayal of Carmen last year, will return to the role. Joining her is tenor Kim Jung-hoon, who is actively performing at major European opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, as Don José.

In addition, baritone Lee Dong-hwan, a professor at Korea National University of Arts and one of Korea’s leading baritones, will perform the role of Escamillo, while Busan’s representative baritone Ahn Se-beom will appear as Morales, contributing to a production of world-class caliber.

The Asia Philharmonic Orchestra (APO) will provide the musical performance, joined by the Classic Busan Choir, the Haeundae-gu Boys and Girls Choir, and Kairos Dance Company, further enhancing the scale and artistic quality of the outdoor production.

Food trucks offering a variety of food and beverages will also be operated throughout the venue.

Visitors in the Picnic Zone will be able to enjoy food with family, friends, and loved ones while watching the opera against the backdrop of Busan North Port’s nighttime scenery. By combining classical music, gastronomy, and an outdoor festival atmosphere, the event aims to create a welcoming cultural experience where everyone can comfortably enjoy opera.

Admission to the performance is free of charge. Audience members may reserve either seats in the Chair Zone located in front of the stage or space in the freely accessible Picnic Zone.

Ticket reservations will open at 2:00 p.m. on June 24 and can be made through the official Classic Busan website at https://classicbusan.busan.go.kr/Home/ko/Main. For further inquiries, contact Classic Busan at 051-640-8888.

On the day of the performance, entry will be available from 5:00 p.m. for advance reservation holders only. If reserved seats remain unclaimed or additional seats become available, extra tickets will be distributed on-site after 7:00 p.m.

The performance may be canceled in the event of rain, and information regarding whether the performance will proceed will be announced at a later date.

Park Min-jung, Representative of Classic Busan, stated, “This production of ‘Carmen’ is a special outdoor opera festival created together with the citizens of Busan in anticipation of the opening of the Busan Opera House.”

She added, “Through a stage that brings together world-class artists and local arts organizations, we hope to share with citizens our vision of Busan’s emergence as a globally recognized performing arts city.”