On November 15th, the Department of Music Education (DME) of Kyungnam University (KU) celebrated the 50th anniversary of its establishment by performing the opera L'EISIR D’AMORE in the Hanma Mirae Gwan. The DME presented a contemporary musical performance of Bel Canto music, infusing modern choreography, dialogues, and theatrical elements into the opera to make it more engaging for the audience.
Summary: L'EISIR D’AMORE is a romantic comedy opera that revolves around the love story of Nemorino, a simple peasant, and Adina, a wealthy and intelligent woman who dreams of true love. Nemorino is desperately in love with Adina but is shy and lacks confidence. To win her heart, he purchases a love potion from the traveling quack doctor, Dulcamara, believing it will make Adina fall in love with him. Adina, initially amused by Nemorino's behaviors, starts to feel a genuine affection for him. However, complications arise when the self-assured military officer, Belcore, also pursues Adina. The elixir (lover potion) creates misunderstandings and humorous situations, but in the end, true love triumphs. Adina realizes Nemorino's sincerity, and they declare their love for each other.
Roles: This opera performed two times. For the role of Adina, a professor and soprano Jung Hye-won and a doctoral candidate Lee Quan Quan took turns. The role of Nemorino was performed by a professor and tenor Kim Young-ki and a senior at KU, Kim Ki-chan. A senior at KU, Kim Do-hwang took on the role of Belcore. A graduate of KU, Im Min-cheol and a senior at KU, Shin Jae-min played Dulcamara. Finally, doctoral students Chi Han and Heo Ji- won took on the role of Giannetta.
The People Contributed to the Success of the Performance
-Lee So-jin (Professor of the DME)
Professor of the DME Lee So-jin took the responsibility as the overall director of the opera. Dean of the College of Education and professor of the DME Cha Mun-ho played the major role as the artistic director and conductor. The overall direction and choir were led by professor of the DME Lee Jong-hoon. The main roles and performances in the opera were undertaken by the graduates and current students of the DME. The opera, held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the DME was attended by a large number of alumni, as well as professors, students, and local residents.
-Cha Mun-ho (Dean of the College of Education and Professor of the DME)
Professor Cha Mun-ho stated, "The DME has been providing students with the best education, offering opportunities for them to cultivate dreams as educators and musicians. Furthermore, I believe that through continuous challenges and innovations in the future, we will continue to provide better music education, conveying the preciousness of music to our students." He conveyed his congratulations to the DME and the 50th-anniversary opera.
-Lee Jong-hoon (Professor of the DME)
Professor Lee Jong-hoon, who directed the opera, expressed his thoughts, saying, "For the 50th-anniversary regular performance, all students worked hard and practiced for a year to present a wonderful performance of the opera, which was an amazing experience they had never had before. With this regular performance as an opportunity, I hope that faculty members, current students, and alumni of KU will come together as one to contribute significantly to the development of the DME and KU, and engage in music education activities for the local community."
-Shin Jong-man (President of the DME Alumni Association)
Shin Jong-man, the president of the DME alumni association said, "In the beginning, the DME students practiced operas and musicals in the patient's room of Railroad Hospital, situated in front of the Main Building of KU, because the DME was not equipped with any practice room. And then, they practiced in Noinjeong right next to the Main Building. Now, they are cultivating the dream of music education in Arts Building which overviews the Masan Sea. For the 50th anniversary commemorative opera performance, I once again send my heartfelt applause to the passion and efforts of the professors and students of the DME."
The performance took place twice at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM on November 15th, with a ceremony for the presentation of a development fund of 10 million won from the DME Alumni Association and an award ceremony for outstanding contributions to the 50th-anniversary celebration.
