Baritone Young-Kwang Yoo
Praised by Opera News for his "vocal dexterity and outstanding Italian diction," baritone Young-Kwang Yoo has been celebrated for his rich, resonant voice. Described as possessing a “suave tone and dynamic power,” Mr. Yoo has earned accolades for his compelling stage presence and versatility across a wide range of operatic roles.
A native of South Korea, Mr. Yoo is a graduate of the College of Music at Seoul National University and holds a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied under the renowned Mark Oswald. He also completed the Opera Institute program at Boston University.
Mr. Yoo has garnered numerous prestigious awards, 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.
His extensive repertoire includes prominent roles such as Figaro (Il Barbiere di Siviglia), Don Giovanni (Don Giovanni), Marcello (La Bohème), Il Conte (Le Nozze di Figaro), 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.
Mr. Yoo’s portrayal of Figaro in Il Barbiere di Siviglia with the Florida Grand Opera and Cleveland Opera Theater drew critical acclaim. Cleveland Classical and Pro Opera Florida praised his performance for "Baritone Young Kwang Yoo brought an ultimate suavity, and a special combination of tone and power to Figaro.", “He made his debut in the role of Figaro and did so in a big way. He acted with ease and the required nonchalance at certain moments, showing a comic visage reinforced from the vocal aspect.” Similarly, Operawire described his Escamillo (Carmen) as “The stand-out performance of the evening came from baritone Young-Kwang Yoo.” and ConcertoNet lauded his “magnificent voice” and captivating portrayal of the toreador.
His Sharpless (Madama Butterfly) was praised by The New York Times for its “solid baritone voice and stolid bearing,” while Opera News commended his "sturdy, empathetic presence." Mr. Yoo also 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.
In oratorio and concert work, Mr. Yoo 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 both the Suburban Symphony Orchestra in Cleveland and the Goyang Civic Choir in Korea.
Mr. Yoo’s influence extends beyond the stage to international broadcasting. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his online performances, aimed at bringing hope and peace, were featured by CNN and Reuters. Additionally, Voice of America produced a documentary highlighting his journey toward becoming an international opera singer. He has also appeared on numerous prominent Korean television programs, including KBS, MBC, tvN, C Channel, and CTS. His ability to connect with audiences has made him a beloved figure, particularly among Korean communities worldwide.
This season, Mr. Yoo will perform Mendelssohn’s Elijah with the Huntington Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with Marshall University and Beethoven’s no.9 with the Suburban Symphony Orchestra. He will also portray Father in Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel with Opera Montana.
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