April 25, 2023

Meet Seolbin Oh!

Seolbin is a first year MSM Vocal Arts master student from Seoul, South Korea, who studies with Edith Bers. She sings the role of Gold-Stripe, the Fox in MSM Graduate Opera Theatre’s production of Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen from April 27–30 in Neidorff Karpati Hall. Seolbin tells us about the production, her time at MSM, and what’s coming up for her this summer!

Don’t miss The Cunning Little Vixen at MSM: 

APR 27 – 29 | THURS – SAT
7:30 PM

APR 30 | SUN
2 PM

MSM Graduate Opera Theatre presents:

The Cunning Little Vixen

MUSIC and LIBRETTO by LEOŠ JANÁČEK

Adapted from the novel Liška Bystrouška by Rudolf Těsnohlídek

Kirk Severtson, Conductor
Dennis Whitehead Darling, Director

Tell us about The Cunning Little Vixen! What is this Opera about?

Seolbin: The Cunning Little Vixen is an opera composed by Czech composer Leoš Janáček.

The story is about a young vixen who is captured by a gamekeeper and taken to his home as a pet. She eventually escapes and begins a new life in the forest, where she falls in love with a fox and has babies. However, her happiness is short-lived as she is eventually captured by the gamekeeper once again and killed.

The opera features a variety of animal characters, including other foxes, a badger, a mosquito, a frog, and a grasshopper. Janáček uses the animals to explore themes of love, life, and death as well as the relationship between humans and nature.

Why should people come and see this production? 

Seolbin: Janáček’s music can’t be explained by words. It’s reminiscent of old school operas but has a new twist of folk melodies that are throughout the music. The music itself is amazingly beautiful and I am sure your eyes will be caught by our stunning costumes. There won’t be a dull moment!

You’re singing the role of Gold-Stripe, The Fox, tell us about your character!

Seolbin: As “Gold-Stripe, the Fox”, I am a male fox who lives in the forest and falls in love with the Vixen. I am very clever and sly, just like a real fox!

My main value as the character is love for the Vixen and my desire to protect her and our babies. My character is also very playful, and I enjoy teasing the other animals in the forest. Overall, playing the role of “Gold-Stripe, the Fox” is a lot of fun, but it also requires me to convey a range of emotions, from playful and mischievous to heartbroken and grieving.

How has the rehearsal process been?

Seolbin: It has been very exciting! The cast and crew have been working tirelessly to perfect every aspect of the production. Even though the fact that the music is quite tricky, we’ve been able to bring it all together and have a wonderful show to present.

What’s your favorite part of the opera?

Seolbin: I would say that the ‘wedding scene’ between Vixen and Fox is definitely my favorite part of the opera. It’s the happiest moment for all of us in the animal world. All the animals come on the stage, and we dance together. I am having so much fun in that scene.

Why did you choose to study voice at MSM?

Seolbin: Studying in NYC was one of my dreams since I began my musical journey. NYC is one of the cultural capitals of the world and it offers many opportunities for networking, collaboration, and exposure to different and unique styles. MSM is the best environment to learn from the best teachers and build a strong foundation in vocal technique. I feel very grateful for the great lessons I’ve been learning from my teacher, Edith Bers.

Any fun summer plans?

Seolbin: I am planning to participate in international competitions in Europe. I want to experience performing in other countries where opera is prominent part of the culture. I am really looking forward to singing in unique places and making new connections.

Seolbin will be performing the role of “Sharp-Ears, the Fox” April 27 & 29!