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Captivating Audiences with Versatility
Soprano Extraordinaire
Mariana Hong, formerly known as Hyeseoung Kwon, has established herself as a prominent soprano with a remarkable vocal range and acting prowess. Critics have praised her performances across various operatic roles, highlighting her ability to captivate audiences with both her voice and stage presence.
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In her portrayal of Cio-Cio-San (Madama Butterfly), Mariana has been commended for her ability to lead ensemble scenes while also delivering deeply moving solo performances. Critics have noted her vocal prowess, expressive simplicity, and the way she immerses herself in the character, making the audience feel as though nothing else exists beyond the music.
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Her performances extend beyond Madama Butterfly, encompassing roles such as Liù in Turandot, Giulietta in I Capuleti e I Montecchi, Mimi in La Bohème, Freia and Helmwige in Wagner's Ring Cycle, among others. Mariana's versatility as both an actress and singer allows her to excel in a diverse range of roles, from the tender vulnerability of Mimi to the regal strength of Freia and Helmwige.
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As a soprano soloist, Marina has showcased her talents in various settings, from opera houses to concert halls, performing works ranging from Rossini's petite Messe Solenelle to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. Her collaborations with esteemed conductors such as Riccardo Chailly, Richard Hickox, Pietari Inkinen and Johannes Fritzsch attest to her standing in the classical music world.
BIOGRAPHY
Korean-Australian soprano Mariana has built an international career spanning opera houses and concert halls across Asia, Europe, and Australia.
Mariana is particularly known for her portrayal of Cio-Cio-San in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, a role she has performed at venues including London’s Royal Albert Hall, the Finnish National Opera in Helsinki, and throughout China with Opera Australia’s touring productions. She has also brought this character to life with Opera Queensland, West Australian Opera and State Opera South Australia. Cio-Cio-San has become Mariana’s signature role in demonstrating her exceptional versatility as an actress and singer in bringing to life this demanding role.
Her operatic repertoire encompasses a wide range of lyric soprano roles. Mariana has performed many of the major lyric soprano roles with Opera Australia, including Mimi (La Bohème), Liù (Turandot), Cio-Cio-San (Madama Butterfly), Pamina (The Magic Flute), Countess (The Marriage of Figaro), Fiordiligi (Così fan Tutte), Donna Anna (Don Giovanni), Giulietta (I Capuleti e i Montecchi ), Alcina (Alcina), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), Leila (The Pearlfishers), Micaela (Carmen), Genovieffa (Suor Angelica), Dorinda (Orlando), Freia (Das Rheingold), Helmwige (Die Walküre) as well as special performances as Micaela(Carmen) in Taipei, Cio-Cio-San(Madama Butterfly) for Opera Australia on China Tour. She has also performed Zerlina (Don Giovanni), Mimi ( La Boheme), Cio-Cio-San (Madama Butterfly), and Liù (Turandot) for Opera Queensland and Cio-Cio-San (Madama Butterfly) for West Australian Opera and State Opera South Australia.
In the concert repertoire, Mariana has performed as a soloist for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in Italy and later with the KBS Symphony Orchestra in Seoul, Carmina Burana with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Missa Solemnis with Sydney Philharmonia and the Auckland Choral Society, and performances of both Mozart and Verdi Requiems. She also performed in Rossini’s Stabat Mater and Petite Messe Solennelle, and Poulenc’s Gloria. She appeared in numerous concerts and recitals in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Canberra.
Mariana has collaborated with conductors including Riccardo Chailly, Richard Bonynge, Richard Hickox, Patrick Summers, Johannes Fritzsch, Guillaume Tourniaire, Pietari Inkinen, Andrea Battistoni, Oliver Gooch, Jakub Hruša, Jonathan Darlington, Andrea Licata, Muhai Tang, and Romano Gandolfi across various productions and concerts.
Her musical education began at Hanyang University in Seoul, where she completed her Bachelor of Music in Vocal and Opera Performance. She subsequently studied in Italy, earning a Diploma in Opera Performance with High Distinction from the Conservatorium of Milan and pursuing further studies at the Vercelli Academy. During her time at the Conservatorium, she was invited by Maestro Riccardo Chailly to participate in his performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
Mariana received recognition early in her Australian career, winning the Opera Award at the Australian Singing Competition and the MBS Young Performers Award. Her work has since been acknowledged through nominations for the Helpmann Awards and Green Room Awards.
Soprano Mariana Hong ( Hye Seoung Kwon)
