Mezzo-Soprano Jung Hanna Unfolds an Evening of Warmth and Opera

Mezzo-soprano Jung Hanna presents a recital that moves across sacred music, art songs and opera arias, revealing the depth of her warm timbre and expressive interpretation. Centered on works by Pergolesi, Rossini, Donizetti, Berlioz, Dvořák and Saint-Saëns, the program traces contrasting emotions and dramatic textures through a broad vocal repertoire.

Poster for mezzo-soprano Jung Hanna’s return recital. Photo by Culture Portal.

The evening opens with selections from Pergolesi’s "Stabat Mater, P.77," including "Quae moebat et dolebat" and "Fac, ut portem Christi mortem." Built on sorrow and prayerful reflection, the work highlights the lyrical sensitivity at the core of Jung Hanna’s voice.

Rossini’s "La regata veneziana" follows with a lighter and more animated mood. The cycle, consisting of "Anzoleta avanti la regata," "Anzoleta co passa la regata," and "Anzoleta dopo la regata," captures the wit, rhythmic charm and quick emotional turns of Venetian dialect songs.

From Donizetti’s opera "Anna Bolena," Jung Hanna performs the aria "È sgombro il loco… Ah! Parea che per incanto," a piece requiring the long phrasing, delicate ornamentation and dramatic tension characteristic of bel canto opera.

Selections from Berlioz’s "Les Nuits d'été, Op.7" continue the program with "Villanelle" and "Absence." The contrast between brightness and longing reveals both the poetic rhythm and orchestral color embedded within French mélodie.

Dvořák’s complete "Zigeunerlieder, Op.55" also forms a major part of the recital. Songs including "Mein Lied ertönt," "Als die alte Mutter," and "Darf des Falken Schwinge" unfold themes of wandering, memory, freedom and nostalgia across the cycle.

The finale arrives with Dalila’s aria "Amour! viens aider ma faiblesse!" from Saint-Saëns’ opera "Samson et Dalila." The piece compresses seduction and psychological tension into a dramatic showcase demanding both vocal richness and theatrical intensity from a mezzo-soprano.

Jung Hanna graduated from the College of Music at Dankook University and later earned a master’s degree in opera studies at the same institution before completing her graduate studies at the Arrigo Boito Conservatory in Parma, Italy, with top honors.

She has received recognition at numerous international competitions, including first prize at the Brescia International Competition, second prize at the Bottini International Competition and the Vano Vizioli International Competition, along with a special prize at the Enzo Sordello International Competition.

Her operatic career began at Teatro Toselli in Cuneo with the role of Cherubino in Mozart’s "The Marriage of Figaro." She later appeared as Flora in Verdi’s "La Traviata" at Teatro Verdi Buscoldo and Teatro Ruggero Ruggeri.

In Korea, she has expanded her repertoire through productions including National Opera of Korea’s "The Magic Flute," the Korea Small Theater Opera Festival’s "The Threepenny Opera," as well as "Rigoletto," "Hansel and Gretel," "L'elisir d'amore," "Cavalleria Rusticana," and the original opera "Son Yang Won."

Currently, Jung Hanna teaches at the College of Music at Dankook University and Gyeonggi Arts High School. Pianist Moon Euna accompanies the recital after working as an official accompanist for the Bevagna International Vocal Competition and as a collaborative pianist at the A.I.D.M Academy.

Jung Hanna’s return recital takes place on May 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Kumho Art Hall Yonsei in Seoul.

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