Seoul Arts Center Opera Turandot

Turandot Teaser

A Wave of Korean Vocal Artistry Across the World Stage

In Jul 2026, the Seoul Arts Center proudly presents a landmark new production of Turandot, marking a defining moment in our operatic journey and a new chapter in international collaboration. From 22 – 26 Jul, the Opera Theater will resound with the monumental final masterpiece of Giacomo Puccini—a work of dazzling scale, emotional intensity, and enduring resonance. On these summer nights in Seoul, no one will sleep. 

This production represents Turandot fully initiated and produced by the Seoul Arts Center as part of our in-house opera series—an undertaking destined to become a signature repertoire title. In recent seasons, we have steadily expanded our artistic vision with ambitious and meticulously crafted productions, including Norma (2023), Otello (2024), and the original creation The Rising World: Spirit of Water (2025). Each has reflected our commitment to musical excellence, compelling dramaturgy, and international artistic exchange. With Turandot, we continue this trajectory—uniting world-class singers, distinguished creative artists, and a grand musical vision. 

Headlining the production is tenor Seokjong Baek, making his long-awaited Korean operatic debut as Calaf. Acclaimed by international critics for his thrilling “Nessun dorma,” Baek has captivated audiences at the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, and Deutsche Oper Berlin. His return to Korea at the height of his global career is a major cultural event, and his portrayal of Calaf promises vocal brilliance and dramatic intensity. 

Opposite him, the formidable Princess Turandot will be sung by soprano Ewa Płonka, a commanding presence on leading stages such as Teatro alla Scala, Royal Opera House, and Bavarian State Opera. As Liù, soprano Sumi Hwang brings her luminous tone and refined emotional depth, while the dignified Timur will be portrayed by bass In-sung Sim, internationally recognised for his sonorous authority. 

A second cast of equal distinction underscores the depth of this production. Soprano Sunyoung Seo makes her role debut as Turandot, joined by tenor Youngwoo Kim as Calaf and soprano Eunhye Shin as Liù. Bass Youngdoo Park brings his richly textured voice to the role of Timur. Supporting roles are performed by tenor Byungho Jeon (Altoum), baritone Jongpyo Kim (Ping), tenor Jaeil Kim (Pang), tenor Beomseok Seo (Pong), and baritone Geon Kim (Mandarin), winner of the 2025 Belvedere International Singing Competition. 

On the podium stands maestro Roberto Abbado, renowned for his refined musicianship and acute sensitivity to orchestral color. Celebrated for uncovering the subtlest nuances within the score, Abbado will lead the National Symphony Orchestra in a reading that highlights the authentic Italianate warmth and dramatic architecture of Puccini’s writing. As we mark the centenary of Turandot’s premiere, his interpretation promises both grandeur and intimacy—revealing the opera’s final “riddle” in all its complexity. 

Stage direction is entrusted to Sunyoung Jung, whose visually sophisticated mise-en-scène reexamines Turandot’s emotional and philosophical dimensions. Her production situates the opera’s conflicts within a contemporary sensibility, exploring themes of fear, vulnerability, and redemption. Through striking visual imagery and focused character development, the staging invites audiences to confront the opera’s enduring question: how can love transform cruelty into compassion? 

With its monumental choruses, iconic arias, and psychological drama, Turandot stands as Puccini’s final and most enigmatic testament. In presenting this production, the Seoul Arts Center reaffirms its role as a leading operatic institution in Asia—committed to artistic excellence, global partnership, and repertoire-building of international significance. 

We warmly invite our colleagues and partners across the world’s opera houses to follow this production and explore future avenues of collaboration. In Jul 2026, Turandot will return not as a relic of the past, but as a living, urgent work—offering audiences a night so powerful that no one will sleep. 

SAC Opera House (Photo credit: Seoul Arts Center)

SAC Opera Theater_Stage (Photo credit: Seoul Arts Center)