In Seoul’s small but vibrant operatic scene, opera is virtually synonymous with a thrilling drama, spectacle and over-the-top singing. In surveys, “Carmen,” “La Traviata” or “Aida” come out as some of Koreans’ all-time favorites.

To add the spice of diversity to the scene, Seoul Arts Center is offering local fans a chance to uncover a hidden gem in the operatic repertory ― one that is loved by fans around the world, but is rarely performed in Korea.

For just one night on Dec. 6, it will present Tchaikovsky’s opera “Eugene Onegin” with a renowned conductor, director, singers and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra.

Based on a novel in verse by the great giant of Russian literature Pushkin, the opera stands at the heart of the international opera repertory.

“Eugene Onegin is one of the most beloved operas in the world but for some reason it is rarely performed in Korea,” said Tae Seung-jin of Seoul Arts Center, explaining why it chose the work.

The upcoming production is not the typical opera production. It’s a concert performance of opera ― in other words, an opera without the distraction of a full staging.

Singers are not costumed. They don’t engage in acting as much as they have to do in a fully staged opera production. There is no stage set or props.

For a conductor, it’s easier that way, said Taiwanese conductor Saho-Chai Lu who will lead the Seoul Philharmonic for the upcoming production. 

“The chorus stands just in front of you. Singers are very close to you and all look at you,” he said.

For singers, a concert format means that they will have to deliver solely with their voice, without the help of the stage, props or costumes.

“We have to really focus on singing to portray the character, because the audience concentrates solely on music,” said soprano Yunah Lee, who will play Tatiana, the female protagonist.

For director James Robinson, the limitations mean he has to be more inventive.

“When you have limitations, you have to become very inventive. My goal (for the upcoming production) will be to make it as dramatic and theatrical as possible with a minimum of means,” the American stage director said. 

“Eugene Onegin” is perfect for a concert performance, Robinson and Lu said.

“It’s so personal and intimate. It’s not the typical opera with an exaggerated and very dramatic impact,” Lu said. “Still, there is drama and it touches you deep in the heart.”

Robinson agreed. “It was such a famous book at the time (in Russia). The fact that Tchaikovsky took only seven scenes from this long and complicated novel is quite remarkable. He distilled it like a beautiful cognac or whiskey and turned it into this amazing work,” he said.

“Eugene Onegin” will start at 7 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Concert Hall of Seoul Arts Center. Baritone Kong Byoung-woo will sing Onegin, opposite soprano Yunah Lee as Tatiana.

Tickets cost 30,000 won to 150,000 won. For details, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sacticket.co.kr.

By Lee Sun-young (milaya@heraldcorp.com)