The Korea National Opera, under Acting Artistic Director Shin Yong-sun, has announced enrollment for its 2026 spring semester Opera Academy, running from March through June.

The Academy has expanded its theory and appreciation offerings this semester with two new programs.

“Opera Date” introduces beginners to the origins and history of opera, the defining characteristics of opera by country, and the composers central to the art form’s development. The course will also feature invited guest soloists performing arias live. Former Spanish Ambassador Park Sang-hoon, who has written extensively on opera, will lead the first five weeks, followed by classical music commentator Hwang Ji-won, who will guide the second five-week session.

Then comes “Opera Focus,” an advanced appreciation course that examines key moments in opera’s development through philosophical and aesthetic lenses, with topics including “How to Maintain Eternal Youth,” “AI and the Future of Immortality,” and “Why Does Melodrama Make Us Cry?” The course includes lecture concerts featuring Korea National Opera soloists and will be led by critics Yoo Hyung-jong and Lee Yong-sook.

Practical courses include “Operaum,” a master class-style vocal program covering breath, technique, arias, and ensemble singing, culminating in a graduation recital. The course is led by baritone Yoo Dong-jik, soprano Shin Ji-hwa, and soprano Jang Yu-ri.

“Opera Chorus Class” offers participants the opportunity to learn and perform celebrated operatic choruses, including the Brindisi from Verdi’s “La traviata” and “Va, pensiero” from “Nabucco,” led by Shin In-chul and Lee Sang-hoon.

A children’s program, “My First Sparkling Opera,” is also offered, designed to introduce young students to opera through arias and choral singing, with a focus on teamwork, musical expression, and creativity. The program is led by soprano Choi Jeong-bin and baritone Lee Cheon-cho.

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