Georges Bizet’s “Carmen” is one of the most beloved operas, with its incredible drama and music featuring an alluring gypsy enchanting fans around the world. The timeless classic is a Korean favorite, having ranked No. 1 in a 2013 Korea National Opera survey. 

A lesser-known work of the French composer is set to hit the local stage this week, marking the very first time for it to be staged in Korea. 

The KNO will stage a production of “The Pearl Fishers,” with an international cast, at Seoul Arts Center for four days starting Thursday.

“It was Bizet’s first opera, but it is grand with a full melody,” said opera director Jean-Louis Grinda, who is helming the KNO production, at a news conference in Seoul on Oct. 1. 

“Because the opera covers so many themes and is powerful in so many ways, I tried to break it down as much as I could,” Grinda said. “Instead, I tried to make sure the costumes, lighting and staging were impressive.” 

First performed in 1863 in Paris, “The Pearl Fishers” is set in ancient times on the island of Ceylon. The opera follows the story of two men whose vow of eternal friendship is challenged when they find themselves in love with the same woman. Further conflicts arise as the woman has vowed to a sacred oath of chastity as a priestess. 

In Bizet’s day, critics did not regale the repertoire in high praise. The general consensus of the French libretto was that of a work of mediocre quality and weak plot that was lacking musical impact and was unoriginal. 

Despite the flak it received from past critics, however, the work continues to find itself revised, revamped and returning to the stage, upheld by some modern-day critics as a unique and merit-filled opera. 

To this day, the powerful male duet “Au fond du temple saint,” or the “The Pearl Fishers’ Duet,“ is a widely recognized and respected tune for opera lovers everywhere. 

Korean baritone Paul Gong, one of the two male leads in the upcoming production, said the music of “The Pearl Fishers” is very challenging for singers, which may be one of the reasons why it is not being staged very often. 

“This is my first time trying ‘The Pearl Fishers’ and I haven’t seen it being performed in Paris for many years. Now I know why. The tenor and soprano parts are very difficult,” he said. 

With director Jean-Louis Grinda and choreography by Eugenie Andrin, the opera will star tenors Jesus Leon and Kim Keon-woo as Nadir and baritones Paul Gong and Je Sang-chul as Zurga and sopranos Nathalie Manfrino and Hong Ju-young as the two men’s love interest Leila. 

The music will be conducted by San Francisco Opera resident conductor Giuseppe Finzi with Gunpo Prime Philharmonic Orchestra and the National Chorus of Korea. 

The opening act of the KNO’s 2015-2016 season, “The Pearl Fishers” will be staged from Oct. 15-18 at Seoul Arts Center with ticket prices ranging from 10,000 won ($87) to 150,000 won. For more information, visit www.natonalopera.org or call 1588-2514.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)