The voice of opera will find new expression through the breath of a clarinet. Clarinetist Choi Jae-hee's recital, Opera Cla Concert, reimagines celebrated operatic arias, overtures and dramatic themes through the sound of a single woodwind instrument accompanied by strings.
Led by conductor Chae Won-kyung and joined by the NFA String Ensemble, the program brings together works inspired by some of opera's most enduring masterpieces, including La Traviata, Rigoletto, Cavalleria Rusticana and Carmen.
The concert opens with Donald Martino's A Set for Clarinet Solo, a three-movement work consisting of Allegro, Adagio and Allegro. Performed without accompaniment, the piece highlights the instrument's rhythmic flexibility, tonal range and expressive control while serving as a showcase for the performer's technical and interpretive abilities.
The program then moves into the world of opera fantasy. Luigi Bassi's Fantasy on Themes from Verdi's "Rigoletto" remains one of the most frequently performed works in the clarinet repertoire. Drawing on themes from Verdi's opera, the piece combines virtuosic ornamentation, rapid passages and lyrical phrasing that allows the clarinet to assume a vocal character while retaining its agility and brilliance.
Verdi's La Traviata Prelude follows in an arrangement for string ensemble, bringing the opera's lyrical beauty and tragic atmosphere to the stage before leading into Donato Lovreglio's Fantasy on Themes from Verdi's "La Traviata." The work translates Violetta's emotional journey into flowing clarinet lines and operatic expression.
The second half of the program explores Italian verismo and French opera traditions. Carlo Della Giacoma's Fantasy on Themes from Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana" is marked by dramatic intensity and emotional depth, reflecting the passionate spirit of Mascagni's score.
Bizet's Carmen Prelude shifts the atmosphere with its instantly recognizable rhythms and momentum. The concert concludes with Fantasy on Bizet's "Carmen," arranged by Pablo de Sarasate and Nicola Valdeiro, bringing the opera's sensuality, tension and dance-driven energy to life through dazzling clarinet technique and vivid tonal color.
Choi has built an accomplished career as both a soloist and educator. She was selected as a principal participant at the Oberlin Global Music Festival and received recognition as a distinguished alumna during her years at Seoul Arts High School. After graduating at the top of her class from Seoul National University and earning a master's degree there, she continued her studies at Yale University, where she completed both a full-scholarship graduate program and the prestigious Artist Diploma program.
Her competition achievements include third prize at the International Clarinet Association Competition in Belgium and first prize at the Busan Music Competition.
Throughout her career, Choi has performed at leading venues including Carnegie Hall in New York, Suntory Hall in Tokyo, Mendelssohn Haus in Germany, Seoul Arts Center, Kumho Art Hall and Seongnam Arts Center. She has appeared in orchestral, chamber and solo performances and has held principal positions with the Yale Philharmonia, Hankyung Philharmonic Orchestra and Seocho Symphony Orchestra, while also serving as guest principal clarinetist with the KBS Symphony Orchestra.
Currently, Choi serves as a professor at Dankook University's College of Music and Arts and continues her performance activities as leader of New Fine Art Music.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
Copyright ⓒ 뉴스컬처 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지
