This week, the Royal Opera House opens a new production of “Samson et Dalila” led by the company’s music and starring one of the great mezzo’s of our time. But perhaps what makes this production all the more exciting is the young tenor SeokJong Baek, who will make his house debut.

The South Korean tenor, who began as a baritone, recently moved into the tenor repertoire, and this house debut will also mark his role debut as Samson. This will also be his highest-profile assignment to date, making him one of the exciting young voices to look out for in the coming seasons.

Baek recently received the third prize at the Tenor Viñas Competition as well as the Plácido Domingo prize, Public prize, and Teatro Real de Madrid prize. He was also the first place winner of the 2021 Loren L. Zachary Society National Vocal Competition, first Prize, Audience Award and Enrico Caruso Award winner of the 2021 Vincero World Singing Competition.

He was also a San Francisco Opera Adler Fellow in 2019 and performed in various productions with the company including “Carmen,” “Romeo et Juliette,” Manon Lescaut,” “Rusalka,” and Le Nozze di Figaro.” He has also performed with the Lyric Opera of Kansas as a Resident Artist.

For those not in London for Baek’s debut, the performance will be filmed. Additionally, next season the tenor will make his Prague State Opera debut performing multiple works, and will also make his Arizona Opera debut. He is also set to join the Metropolitan Opera’s roster.

Recordings 

Here is the tenor performing “Celeste Aida” and “E Lucevan le Stelle” at the Viñas Competition.