From Baritone to Tenor: SeokJong Baek’s Soaring Rise
South Korean tenor SeokJong Baek’s career is a story of transformation and perseverance. For nearly 15 years, Baek performed as a baritone before realizing his voice belonged in the higher tenor range. While training and working in the United States, he made the bold switch ? joining San Francisco Opera’s young-artist program as a baritone in 2019 and fully transitioning to tenor a year later.
When theaters reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic, Baek’s new path quickly gained momentum. In 2022, he made a stunning debut at London’s Royal Opera House as Samson in Saint-Saens’ “Samson and Delilah.” His powerful performance led to returns in “Tosca” and “Aida,” as well as an impressive last-minute turn in “Cavalleria rusticana,” learned in under two weeks. Working with the esteemed music director Sir Antonio Pappano honed his artistry and precision.
Baek’s success soon crossed the Atlantic. He debuted at the Metropolitan Opera as Ismaele in Verdi’s “Nabucco” and later returned as Calaf in Puccini’s “Turandot.” This season, he continues his ascent with new productions of “La Boheme” and upcoming roles in “I vespri siciliani,” “La fanciulla del West,” and “Don Carlo.”
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1. Why did Baek choose to make the bold switch from baritone to tenor after so many years?
2. What were the major turning points in his career after theaters reopened following the COVID-19 pandemic?
3. What does his quick mastery of Cavalleria rusticana in under two weeks suggest about his work ethic and adaptability?
4. How might working under a distinguished conductor like Sir Antonio Pappano have influenced Baek’s musical interpretation and confidence?
1. What personal qualities do you think helped Baek overcome the fear of changing his career direction?
2. How would you feel if you had to start over in your own field after many years of training?
3. If switching vocal ranges requires retraining the entire voice, what kind of discipline and patience do you think that demands?
4. If you were an opera singer, how would you decide whether to stay in your comfort zone or take a risky leap like Baek did?
South Korean tenor SeokJong Baek’s career is a story of transformation and perseverance. For nearly 15 years, Baek performed as a baritone before realizing his voice belonged in the higher tenor range. While training and working in the United States, he made the bold switch ? joining San Francisco Opera’s young-artist program as a baritone in 2019 and fully transitioning to tenor a year later.
