In October 2018, Julian Kim returned to Teatro La Fenice as Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia, in a revival staged as part of the theater’s Rossini Project, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the composer’s death. This production also marked Gregory Kunde’s conducting debut at La Fenice, adding a unique dimension to the revival of Rossini’s beloved opera.

Julian Kim’s Figaro was praised for its vocal and physical authenticity, steering away from exaggerated characterizations and offering a more natural, credible presence. His rendition of “Largo al factotum” was marked by restraint and musical clarity, deliberately avoiding showy effects in favor of dramatic coherence. Together with tenor Francisco Brito as Almaviva, Kim brought vibrancy and charm to the stage, captivating the audience through their dynamic chemistry and powerful voices — reinvigorating Rossini’s classic with sincerity and spirit.