The 17th Korea Opera Festival

Beseto Opera Company
Opera: Così fan tutte
 

Artistic Concept

Così fan tutte, composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of classical opera buffa. Through wit and exquisite music, the opera explores the capricious yet universal nature of human love and emotions. Since the 18th century, it has continued to resonate deeply with audiences around the world.

Mozart’s music reveals the subtle shifts of human emotion with remarkable honesty and beauty, particularly through delicate ensembles and arias. The duets, trios, and sextets performed by the six principal characters symbolically portray conflicts and reconciliations within human relationships, stimulating not only musical appreciation but also rich theatrical imagination.

This production aims to reinterpret the opera by combining classical elegance with a modern sensibility, presenting its universal message through contemporary stage language. While maintaining the traditional sophistication of the original work in staging and costumes, the production introduces a refined aesthetic that can appeal to younger audiences.

Ultimately, this performance invites audiences to reflect on the irony of love and human relationships, offering both lighthearted laughter and thoughtful contemplation. It seeks to reaffirm the timeless message that even as love changes, the truth of human nature remains through music, while re-illuminating Mozart’s enduring artistic legacy.
 

Synopsis

Set in 18th-century Naples, the story follows two young officers, Guglielmo and Ferrando, who proudly boast about the unwavering fidelity of their fiancées, the sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella. The cynical philosopher Don Alfonso, however, challenges their belief, claiming that “women’s hearts are like reeds swaying in the wind,” and proposes a wager to prove his point.

Following Alfonso’s scheme, the two officers pretend to leave for war. Shortly afterward, they return in disguise as exotic Albanian noblemen, each attempting to seduce the other’s fiancée. At first, the sisters firmly resist their advances. Fiordiligi famously declares her steadfast virtue in the aria “Come scoglio” (“Like a Rock”).

Determined to win the wager, Don Alfonso persuades the maid Despina to help manipulate the sisters’ emotions. As the courtship continues, Dorabella eventually yields to the disguised Guglielmo, and even the resolute Fiordiligi ultimately succumbs to Ferrando’s persistent charm.

The sisters go so far as to sign marriage contracts with the mysterious noblemen. At that very moment, the sound of a military march announces the return of their original fiancés. The officers then reveal their true identities, exposing the entire scheme.

Although confusion and remorse follow, Don Alfonso concludes that such contradictions are simply part of human nature. In the end, forgiveness prevails, and the couples reconcile, restoring the original pairings as the opera comes to a close.
 

Cast

Fiordiligi: Son Ju-yeon, Na Jung-won
Dorabella: Han Ji-hwa, Yang Song-mi, Jeon Yoo-hyun
Guglielmo: Lim Chang-han, Woo Kyung-sik, Jeon Byung-kwon
Ferrando: Jin Sung-won, Choi Jung-hwan, Kim Eun-guk
Despina: Jung Hye-wook, Céline de La Baume, Lee Ju-ri
Don Alfonso: Kim Dae-Young, Kim Kwan-hyun, Kim Ji-seop

Orchestra: Soriol Philharmonic Orchestra
Chorus: Maestao Opera Chorus
 

Production Team

Chairwoman & General Artistic Director: Wha Ja Kang
Music Director: Kwon Yong-jin
Conductor: Kim Yeo-jin
Stage Director: Seo Jun
Planning, Production & Executive Director: Kang Soon-gyu
Stage Manager: Lee Jin-su
Lighting Designer: Gong Hong-pyo
Costume Designer: Park Sun-hee
Make-up Artist: Koo Yoo-jin
Vocal Coach: Lee Chan-gu