Baritone Young-Kwang Yoo
Praised for his “vocal dexterity and outstanding Italian diction” by Opera News, baritone Young-Kwang Yoo has earned widespread recognition for the richness and resonance of his voice. Described as possessing a “suave tone and dynamic power,” he is lauded for his exceptional stage presence and versatility across an extensive operatic repertoire.
A native of South Korea, Mr. Yoo is a graduate of the College of Music at Seoul National University. He further honed his craft with a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied under the esteemed Mark Oswald. Additionally, he completed the Opera Institute program at Boston University.
Mr. Yoo’s artistry has been consistently recognized with numerous prestigious accolades, including First Prize at the Osaka International Competition in Japan, Second Prize at the Manhattan International Music Competition, and the Grand Prize in the Opera Division of the Metropolitan International Vocal Competition. In 2020, he was awarded First Prize in the SAS Performing Arts Company Vocal Competition.
A versatile performer, Mr. Yoo's expansive repertoire includes significant roles such as Figaro (Il Barbiere di Siviglia), Don Giovanni (Don Giovanni), Marcello (La Bohème), Il Conte (Le Nozze di Figaro), Belcore (L’elisir d’amore), Frederic (Lakmé), Sharpless (Madama Butterfly), Miller (Luisa Miller), Mr. Maguire (Emmeline), Pelléas (Pelléas et Mélisande), Escamillo (Carmen), Malatesta (Don Pasquale), and Rigoletto (Rigoletto), among others.
His portrayal of Figaro in Il Barbiere di Siviglia with both the Florida Grand Opera and Cleveland Opera Theater garnered critical acclaim. Cleveland Classical and Pro Opera Florida praised his performance, describing him as having “ultimate suavity, with a special combination of tone and power,” and commended his “comic visage reinforced by a confident vocal performance.” Similarly, Operawire described his Escamillo in Carmen as “the stand-out performance of the evening,” while ConcertoNet lauded his “magnificent voice” and captivating portrayal of the toreador.
Mr. Yoo's Sharpless in Madama Butterfly was met with praise from The New York Times, which highlighted his “solid baritone voice and stolid bearing,” while Opera News acknowledged his “sturdy, empathetic presence.” Additionally, Mr. Yoo portrayed Le Monstre Cathos in the U.S. premiere of Ibert’s Persée et Andromède at the Manhattan School of Music, under the direction of James Robinson and the baton of Maestro Pierre Vallet. This production was selected by The New York Times as one of the ten best classical performances in New York in 2016.
Beyond opera, Mr. Yoo has an active career in oratorio and concert work. He has performed Haydn’s The Creation as Adam at Symphony Hall in Boston, Orff’s Carmina Burana at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and Fauré’s Requiem with the Suburban Symphony Orchestra in Cleveland and the Goyang Civic Choir in Korea. He has also performed Mendelssohn’s Elijah with the Huntington Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with Marshall University, as well as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with the Suburban Symphony Orchestra. In addition, he has performed Handel’s Messiah annually.
Mr. Yoo’s influence extends beyond the opera stage to international broadcasting. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his online performances, which aimed to bring hope and peace, were featured by CNN and Reuters. A documentary produced by Voice of America chronicling his journey toward becoming an international opera singer further solidified his status as a global artist. He has also appeared on numerous prominent Korean television programs, including KBS, MBC, tvN, C Channel, and CTS. His ability to connect with audiences, particularly within the global Korean community, has endeared him to many.
