Soprano Lee Ji-young to Play Supporting Role in `Fidelio'

Photo courtesy of MuAk Opera

Lee Ji-young, who wowed the local audience as a guest singer in Placido Domingo’s Seoul recital in January, will appear as Marzelline in MuAk Opera's production of ``Fidelio,'' which will be staged Thursday through Sunday at Seoul Arts Center.

Some felt baffled that the rising U.S.-based soprano accepted the minor part, but Lee expressed great affection for the production.

``I was initially reluctant about appearing in the opera, not because it was a supporting role -- Marzelline’s part actually suits my voice better than Leonore’s -- but because I debuted here only recently (in Domingo’s recital),’’ she told The Korea Times, Friday in Seoul. A graduate of Domingo’s prestigious Young Artist program, she received critical acclaim for a lead in the Washington National Opera.

But she was ultimately drawn to the visions of the newly founded Muak Opera and the initiative of the project, which also coincides with the celebration of the 120th anniversary of her alma mater Yonsei University. ``I think the `how’ or `why’ part, rather than `what’ you do, is more important,’’ she said.

Originally a classically trained pianist, Lee began singing at a very late age, her senior year in high school. ``I had never heard an opera until then,’’ she chuckled. ``But in college, I fell in love with `La Boheme’ through Prof. Kim Kwan-dong (MuAk Opera’s artistic general director).’’

Afterward, Lee headed to the U.S. for further study. The road to her blooming success, however, was far from easy, as visa problems postponed the launching of her career. Domingo’s program was the only one that granted visas to participants, and Lee entered what she calls a ``great turning point.’’

``I was almost 10 years older than most people in the program, but everyone has their own path. Before, I used to feel anxious about becoming a diva and making it big. But I prayed a lot to God and rediscovered my reason for singing,’’ she said.

Marzelline is certainly a minor part, but Lee said she is a most crucial character that uplifts the dark story and helps the protagonist. On the opening night of the Washington National Opera’s ``Daughter of the Regiment,’’ Domingo himself had presented Lee as ``the daughter of the opera house.’’ Indeed, Seoulites will be able to see Lee shine through, as this reporter did in a rehearsal of ``Fidelio,’’ for quality reigns over quantity.

``Fidelio’’ begins at 8 p.m. except for Sunday, which will be a 4 p.m. matinee show. Thursday and Saturday productions will be in Korean, while the ones on Friday and Sunday will be in German. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 150,000 won. Call (02) 720-3933.