Yun Isang

Sim Tjong by Isang Yun was commissioned by Germany for the opening ceremony of the 1972 Olympics in Munich. It was premiered that year at the Bayerische Staatsoper and received high praise for “expressing the mysterious spiritual world of the East with profound sound and meticulous design”. This opera, performed with Western instruments, conveys Eastern emotions and tells the story of Sim Tjong’s sacrifice to save her blind father. It presents the audience with themes of rebirth and salvation created by the mystery of love. It is particularly notable for its impressive blend of traditional Korean folk tale and contemporary music.

C. W. Gluck

Orfeo ed Euridice by the composer Ch. W. Gluck, known as the ‘Opera Reformer’, is based on the Greco-Roman myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. The story turns out happily where Orfeo, unable to forget his suddenly deceased wife Euridice, descends to the underworld to find her and moves the god with his song, allowing him to return to the earth with Euridice. Noteworthy is the use of water to represent the worlds of the living and the dead, showcasing the essence of traditional Baroque opera to the audience.

As a special performance for the Saaremaa Opera Festival, the Daegu Opera House is showcasing Korean Traditional Dance Evening. To present the most Korean and beautiful music as well as dance, the Daegu Metropolitan Traditional Music Orchestra will perform together. The performance features joyful songs and exciting melodies played on traditional Korean instruments, combining traditional music with dance. It conveys the audience with the diverse charm and beauty of Korean cultural heritage.

G. Puccini

Puccini’s beloved opera Madama Butterfly set in Nagasaki, Japan. It tells the tragic story of Cio-Cio San, who waits alone for her husband to come back with lyrical and dramatic melodies. It is well known for its famous arias including “Un bel di vedremo” from Act 2 and the “Humming Chorus” from Act 3 and the use of the Eastern pentatonic scale in parts of the opera creates an exotic atmosphere. Cio-Cio San’s poignant longing and love, expressed through Puccini’s music, promise to leave an unforgettable impression on the audience.

Programme and Performer TBA

The grand finale of Saaremaa Opera Days 2025 will be a gala concert of popular opera numbers composed by Daegu Opera House.

Programme and Performer TBA

Raimo Kangro and Leelo Tungal

MTÜ Ooperiga Söbraks
Direction Ain Anger and Oksana Tralla