Opera's 'Mount Everest': Tenors take on Verdi's 'Otello' at Seoul Arts Center for 5-show run

The upcoming production of "Otello" is based on the opera’s 2017 Royal Opera House production in London helmed by Keith Warner with the same staging, set design, costumes and props.

From left, tenor Lee Yong-hoon, music director Carlo Rizzi and tenor Teodor Ilincai speak to the local press about the upcoming opera "Otello" at Seoul Arts Center in Seocho District, southern Seoul, on Monday. [YONHAP]

Giuseppe Verdi's penultimate opera "Otello," packed with fiery drama, is said to be one of the most strenuous yet sought-after operas for tenors. Taking on the namesake lead in the upcoming Seoul Arts Center show are veteran local tenor Lee Yong-hoon and Romanian tenor Teodor Ilincai who likened their jobs to climbing Mount Everest.

"It's an incredibly demanding part, emotionally and vocally, but that is also why you find it so fascinating because it is such a challenge," Lee told the press at Seoul Arts Center in Seocho District, southern Seoul, on Monday.

"Otello," with libretto by Arrigo Boito, is based on Shakespeare's play “Othello.” It was first staged in 1887 in Italy. The upcoming production in Seoul is based on the opera’s 2017 Royal Opera House production in London helmed by Keith Warner with the same staging, set design, costumes and props. It will run for five shows from Aug. 18 to 25.

Poster for the opera ″Otello″ slated for a five-show run between Aug. 18 and 25 at Seoul Arts Center in Seocho District, southern Seoul [SEOUL ARTS CENTER]

For Lee's performances, audiences can expect an emotionally fine-tuned Otello for which Lee tapped into his past. He said he remembered the discrimination he faced at the beginning of his career, working with largely European cast members and crew. At times, he couldn't even get a proper rehearsal space or time. "I thought to myself, maybe Otello felt something similar to this. He is a warrior but he also has his insecurities."

Ilincai focused on “putting light into a dark character.” “Otello’s story of love, jealousy and betrayal is a story of each and every one of us," he said, all of which are portrayed in the score. “I consider it a privilege to be able to play this role and to express yourself as a singer through the impeccable music of Verdi."

Italian music director Carlo Rizzi will be leading the Korean National Symphony Orchestra in "Otello." He is a frequent conductor at renowned classical venues, including the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City and La Scala in Milan, and sits as the music director of the UK-based Opera Rara.

"Otello" is also a dream opera for Rizzi, who says that “there is not one note in Verdi’s opera that is there because it is just nice music."

He added, "Everything there exists to create drama."

Rizzi was also enthusiastic about working with Korean musicians on the podium. “A lot of Korean singers come to study in Italy. And now, I am coming here to conduct, so it is especially interesting and exciting,” he said.

Rounding out the cast are Hrachuhí Bassénz and Hong Ju-young as Otello's love interest Desdemona; and baritones Marco Vratogna and Nikoloz Lagvilava as villain Iago.

For more information about "Otello," visit Seoul Arts Center's official website.

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]