By Shim Sun-ah
Celebrating her illustrious 40-year global career, world-renowned soprano Sumi Jo recently held a press conference in Seoul, reflecting on a journey she described as challenging yet profoundly rewarding.
“If I could speak to my younger self, I would first offer gratitude, and then declare, ‘Well done, Sumi Jo!'” she shared. “I believe I have reached this point with immense pride, fueled by unwavering hard work.”
Sumi Jo’s international debut captivated audiences in 1986 at the Teatro Verdi in Trieste, Italy, with her performance in Giuseppe Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” Since then, she has solidified her reputation as one of the world’s truly foremost sopranos.
The Grammy-winning artist attributed significant influence in her career to her devoted parents. Her mother, who once harbored dreams of becoming a singer, tirelessly encouraged Jo’s vocal training from a very young age. Jo recounted how, in her third year of high school, her father took an extraordinary step, visiting the Royal Opera House in London unannounced to inquire how his daughter might one day perform there. Decades later, not only did she grace that iconic stage, but she also achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first Asian prima donna to perform on the world’s five major opera stages before the age of 30.
Reflecting on her formative years, Jo emphasized her early exposure to foreign languages and rigorous musical discipline, including extensive piano practice beginning at age four. “Without my parents’ immense love and unwavering belief, I genuinely don’t believe I would be where I am today,” she affirmed.
To commemorate this significant milestone, the 63-year-old soprano unveiled her special new album, “Continuum,” on Tuesday. Released under SM Classics, the classical and jazz label of South Korea’s SM Entertainment, with whom she recently signed an exclusive recording deal, the album marks a pivotal moment in her enduring career.
The 11-track album, “Continuum,” masterfully weaves together repertoire spanning her past, present, and future. It features exciting collaborations, including a duet with K-pop boy group EXO’s Suho, American violinist Danny Koo, and the Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Choi Young-sun, as detailed by her public relations agency.
Jo elaborated that “Continuum” was conceived as a profound exploration of continuity, both in human life and in the realm of art. “There is no definitive beginning or end in human existence or artistic expression,” she mused.
“I aspired to reinterpret my extensive journey through fresh musical arrangements and diverse linguistic expressions,” she added, affectionately describing the album as a “present” for all music enthusiasts, whether their preference lies in classical, musical theater, or pop genres.
Commenting on her notable duet with K-pop star Suho, Jo expressed her admiration for his unique vocal tone and impressive leadership qualities. She added that his dedicated effort to broaden his vocal range during the recording sessions left a strong and lasting impression.
“I have a deep love for K-pop and immense pride in its global impact,” she stated. “The collaboration has yielded a truly exceptional musical piece.”
Sumi Jo is scheduled to commence a comprehensive nationwide tour this Saturday in Changwon, approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul. This extensive tour will include performances in around 20 cities, concluding in December. Additionally, she will host the second Sumi Jo International Singing Competition from July 5-11 at the historic Chateau de la Ferte-Imbault in France’s picturesque Loire Valley.
She established the biennial international singing contest in 2024 with the noble aim of nurturing and supporting talented young vocalists on the global stage, providing them with invaluable opportunities.
Looking ahead, Sumi Jo articulated her ongoing commitment to refining her artistry, passionately supporting emerging singers, and actively working to make classical music more accessible to broader audiences.
“Many people often perceive classical music as either dauntingly complex or prohibitively expensive,” she acknowledged. “My aspiration is to curate concerts that people can enjoy with greater frequency—performances that consistently deliver small yet certain moments of happiness.”
