On Thursday, January 23, CTR Group and Leeds Opera came together for the 2025 New Year’s Concert, held at the CTR Holdings Work Lounge. This special event gathered CTR Group members and their guests in one place, creating an evening filled with warmth and enchanting melodies.

The concert began with engaging commentary and hosting by Leeds Opera’s Director, Lee Sang-yeop. The stage was graced by the powerful voice of tenor Lee Hee-don, the rich tones of soprano Baek Hye-jung, and the deep, resonant presence of baritone Si Young-min. Adding a final touch of brilliance to the performance was pianist Jin Hye-min, whose delicate yet masterful accompaniment brought the entire evening together. Their harmonious collaboration left a lasting impression, offering the audience a truly unforgettable experience.

The concert featured a diverse repertoire, ranging from traditional Korean art songs to popular film and musical OSTs, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.

The audience was captivated by the familiar charm of Korean classics such as “I Shall Live in Green Mountains” (청산에 살리라), “Weaving Song” (베틀노래), and “Pollack” (명태). In addition, globally beloved pieces like “My Heart Will Go On” from the Titanic soundtrack enriched the atmosphere even further. The performance also included iconic musical numbers, blending classical elegance with a modern touch to create a well-balanced and engaging stage.

The members who attended closed their eyes and became fully immersed in the music or smiled while sharing their emotions with the friends seated next to them. After the performance, there was an outpouring of applause and cheers every time a piece ended.

Leeds Opera is an organization formed by vocalists from the Gyeongnam region, dedicated to preserving the artistic and structural integrity of opera while striving to reduce the sense of distance or burden that people often feel toward opera. Additionally, it was founded to help talented young musicians who might otherwise give up on their dreams due to a lack of performance opportunities, and it continues its various activities.

Despite being an organization that provides opportunities for the community to experience the special art of opera up close, like Leeds Opera, the opera company faces challenges in generating income beyond performances, which is not easy compared to other cultural professionals. Considering this reality, CTR Group has been supporting Leeds Opera through the 'Gyeongnam Mecenat Association' since 2013 and is contributing to the richer growth of local culture and the arts.

In the future, CTR Group will continue to collaborate with Leeds Opera to contribute to the development of the community and arts culture, creating spaces for culture that everyone can empathize with and enjoy.