Three young Asian performers who previously were awarded in the Asian edition of the AsLiCo International Competition for Young Opera Singers secured major roles at the competition’s 77th edition, held Tuesday at Teatro Sociale di Como in northern Italy.
Bass Kim Jae-yul, baritone Choi Jun-young and soprano Ye Yua each earned opportunities to perform in professional opera productions across Europe and beyond.
Kim, 25 and from Korea, claimed the role of Mustafa in Rossini’s “L’Italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers).” He previously placed joint second, with Ye, a 22-year-old soprano from China, at the AsLiCo Asia Competition held in September last year, which did not award a first prize.
Ye won the role of Oscar in “Un Ballo in Maschera (A Masked Ball).”
Choi, 29 and also from Korea, snatched the role of Renato in “Un Ballo in Maschera." Choi previously won first prize at the AsLiCo Asia Competition in 2024.
Each year, AsLiCo selects specific operas and roles to be produced in its theater network. Singers apply for particular roles instead of a typical prize. The jury then evaluates whether a singer is vocally, dramatically and stylistically ready for that role.
The Asian edition of the AsLiCo International Opera Competition, organized by the Beha Philharmonic Orchestra based in Seoul, was launched in 2024.
gypark@heraldcorp.com
