SECOND STAGE: As Winter Passes, Spring Comes | YeSeul Kim, mezzo-soprano

Part I
1. Winter Arrives
Samuel Osmond Barber (1910–1981)
“Must the winter come so soon” from Vanessa
My recital begins with the “winter” that came to my life.
Just like the dark and long season in Barber’s aria, I had to face unexpected hardship and deep loneliness. I felt trapped inside my own winter, just like Erika in Vanessa.

Gian Carlo Menotti (1911–2007)
“All that Gold” from Amahl and the Night Visitors
This aria describes the difficult financial situation that almost forced me to leave my studies and return to Korea. The mother’s fear and desperation in this scene reflect my own feelings during that challenging time.

2. Farewell and Pray
Robert Schumann (1810–1856)
1. Gedichte der Königin Maria Stuart, Op.135
#1 Abschied von Frankreich
#2 Nach der Geburt ihres Sohnes
#5 Gebet
This song cycle is about the life of Maria Stuart. Schumann used her personal writings, mainly prayers, to express her loneliness and desperation. Her farewell to the country she loved, and her many prayers in times of danger, reminded me of my own sincere and emotional prayers in Korea.

3. Dream and Hope
Gabriel Fauré (1846–1924)
Après un rêve, Op.7 No.1
This song expresses the wish to return to a beautiful dream after waking up. It reflects my memories of studying abroad, which felt like a dream. It is a moment where sadness and beauty exist together.

GeungSoo Rim (b.1949)
강 건너 봄이 오듯 / Spring Approaches from Across the River
While everyone continued their studies in the U.S., I stayed alone in Korea.
Like waiting for spring to cross the frozen river, this song represents my hope that my own cold winter would end and a warm spring would finally come.

4. Awake
Gioacchino Rossini (1792–1868)
“Cruda sorte” from L’Italiana in Algeri
Like Isabella, who bravely fights through many difficulties, this aria shows my confidence that I can overcome hardship. It expresses my readiness to leave the winter behind and welcome a warm spring.

Part II
5. Spring Comes
Marie Emmanuel (1862–1938)
Trois Odelettes anacréontiques, Op.13
#1 Au Printemps
#2 À la Cigale
These songs express the lively and bright feeling of my first spring in Boston, and my days at Longy. Their text and music show how beautiful spring is, and how joyful nature becomes when it wakes up and sings again.

6. Friendship and Love
Richard Hundley (1931–2018)
A Package of Cookies
This is a cheerful song that reminds me of my precious friends during my studies.
The text is from a letter Virgil Thomson wrote to Hundley. Through the playful words, we can see how close they were. It also reminds me of friendship in my own life.

Frank Bridge (1879–1941)
Love went A-Riding
This work is full of freedom and excitement. I want to express the many emotions I felt in the United States—my sense of freedom, new experiences, and the love I discovered.

7. Process
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)
“Parto, parto” from La Clemenza di Tito
In this aria, Sesto expresses his strong decision and loyalty even in a difficult situation.
This determination represents my own promise to continue my musical journey without shaking, no matter what challenges may come.

8. Life
Alban Berg (1885–1935)
Jungendlieder No.20: Am Abend
This lyrical song shows the gentle light of a spring evening. It expresses the feeling of enjoying spring fully and being moved by its beauty.

SangWoo Shin (1966–2017)
인생 / The Life
Finally, I look back on my life.
The path I walked was never easy, but each season helped me become who I am today.
Now that spring has finally arrived, I can say with honesty: my life was difficult, but it was meaningful and valuable.

Yeseul Kim is a international mezzo-soprano whose artistry spans opera, concert, choral, and sacred music. She is studying a Master of Music in Voice from the Longy School of Music of Bard College and has a Bachelor of Music in Church Music from Korea Baptist Theological University and Seminary.

Her operatic engagements include the role of Madam Kirsten in The Beautiful Bridegroom at Longy Scholl of music. She has also performed with the Korea National Opera in productions such as I Vespri Siciliani (2022) and La Traviata (2020), and has participated in festivals and regional productions including Die Zauberflöte (New Opera Festival, 2018) and Carmen (Seongnam Cultural Foundation, 2018).

She has appeared as a soloist in numerous concerts, including Piano: Be With Life (2021), Autumn Concert (2021), The Small Concert (2019), and the 29th KBTU Regular Concert (2015). Her ensemble work includes performances such as the 28th YCBC Anniversary Hymn Concert (2014).