SeAH PR

The foundation will stage Verdi’s mid-career masterpiece, Il Trovatore, at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall on November 17. Internationally acclaimed tenor Yonghoon Lee will make his Korean stage debut as Manrico, joined by a premier cast of vocalists including Sunyoung Seo, Donghwan Lee, and Danbi Lee. Honoring the legacy of the late SeAH Group Chairman Woonhyung Lee, the foundation continues to champion the fine arts by offering the public high-quality cultural experiences.

SEOUL, Korea, Nov. 11, 2026 — Bringing a celebrated classic to Seoul, Korea, the SeAH Woon Hyung Lee Foundation will stage Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece, Il Trovatore, on November 17 at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall. This performance marks the second major SeAH Woon Hyung Lee Foundation Concert of 2026.

Established to honor the legacy of the late SeAH Group Chairman Woonhyung Lee, the foundation has hosted its regular concert series since 2015. To make high-quality cultural experiences more accessible and to support the sustainable growth of the fine arts, the foundation thoughtfully curates and stages premier opera productions every year.

The centerpiece of this upcoming concert, Il Trovatore stands alongside Rigoletto and La Traviata as one of Verdi’s mid-career masterpieces. Set in 15th-century Spain, the opera unfolds a tragic tale of love, jealousy, and revenge. The performance highlights dramatic orchestration and demanding vocal artistry, featuring monumental pieces like the “Anvil Chorus” and culminating in soaring tenor high notes that anchor the dramatic tension.

Reflecting the foundation’s mission to support the fine arts and popularize opera, the production features a cast of globally acclaimed vocalists. Tenor Yonghoon Lee—who has commanded leading roles at the world’s top seven opera houses, including New York’s Metropolitan Opera, London’s Royal Opera House, and Milan’s La Scala—will make his Korean stage debut as Manrico. He is joined by International Tchaikovsky Competition laureate soprano Sunyoung Seo as Leonora. The performance is further anchored by a robust supporting cast active across major European stages, including baritone Donghwan Lee and mezzo-soprano Danbi Lee, alongside bass Dongho Kim, mezzo-soprano Gayoung Kim, and tenor Jinhoon Kim.

An accomplished creative and musical team backs the production. Acclaimed for her sophisticated work across numerous operas, director Hyunjin Pyo will helm the staging. Under the baton of Classic Busan Orchestra Music Director Kwanghyun Kim, the Gangnam Symphony Orchestra and the Noi Opera Chorus will bring Verdi’s dramatic orchestration and powerful choral arrangements to life.

“This is a truly meaningful production that unites world-class vocalists who share our foundation’s vision, showcasing their exceptional artistry on a single stage,” said a representative of the SeAH Woon Hyung Lee Foundation. “We hope this performance, highlighted by Verdi's intense music and tragic narrative, will offer audiences a deeply moving and comforting experience in their daily lives.”