Lonely By Themselves

From “separate” to “together.”

Representative figures in the string and vocal music world, violinist Jang Young-ju, 23, and soprano Cho Su-mi, 42, will appear on the stage of their motherland with an indoor concert and opera performance, respectively. The two world class artists who has been always said to be “sole leading actresses” will harmonize with diverse performers at this event. In particular, it is a chance for Cho to comprehensively show her ability as a stage artist, and to attract people’s attention.

The stage, which will show a brand new aspect of Jang, is the “Jang Young-ju & Berlin Philharmonic string sextet” which is to be held at the Hall of Art in Seoul on March 19 and 20. Including the regular members of Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Jang will present a piano recital of Tchaikovsky’s “Retrospection of Florence, 70th Piece” and Brahms’s string sextet number one in B flat major together with five other string performers. In contrast with the solo and concerto in which the main performer focuses only on the harmony with the accompanist and director, “Concession” and “Corresponded harmony” are the most important factors in this performance because the 6 performers will possess an equal ratio of participation in the performance.

The other five artists cannot be ignored with a sidelong glance. Wolfram Christ, 48, who plays the viola, is the very person who was selected by Karayan at the age of 22 in 1978 to take charge of the head seat of Berlin Philharmonic for the past 20 years. Olaf Maninger, 40, a cellist, is also the head cellist of Berlin Philharmonic, and the second cellist, Julian Stekel, 22, is a young talent who has been awarded various musical contest prizes such as Lions International Cello Contest and the Warszawa contest.

“Because the indoor concert requires delicate breathing and connection, and each performer should be concerned about the performing style of the others, I have learned a lot at every concert,” remarked Jang. Jang has prepared to participate in several major musical concerts such as 100th anniversary festival of London Symphony Orchestra and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Cho’s first stage of opera in Korea will be the “Rigoletto” of the Berdi Opera which will be presented as part of the Sejong Art Center’s reopening program from July 21 to 25. Cho made her debut in Europe with this piece of work in Italy, and could succeed in attracting people’s attention in New York’s Metropolitan Opera. The role of Zilda in “Rigoletto” is said to be one of her trademarks.

Leo Nucci, 62, a popular baritone of Italy, who is assessed as an apotheosis “Rigoletto” in this era, will appear on the stage with Cho, attracting people’s interest. Cho has participated in Berdi’s “Masquerade” which was directed by Karayan; together with him they share an old friendship with each other.

The producing know-how and hardware for this performance, such as its dramaturgy, costumes, and illumination, will be introduced by the Bologna Opera theatre in Italy. The nova of the Italian musical directing world, Daniele Garti, 42, who released the “Three series of Roma” in Conipper Label in the United Kingdom will direct in this performance.

“I am really satisfied that I can show the opera, which is perfectly equipped, to the people in my motherland,” said Cho.

Yoon-Jong Yoo gustav@donga.com