Seoul: South Korean soprano Sumi Jo, widely regarded as one of the leading voices in classical music, expressed pride as she reflected on her four-decade career on the international stage. Speaking at a press conference in Seoul to mark the 40th anniversary of her global debut, Jo described her journey as "not easy" but ultimately rewarding.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Jo made her international debut in 1986 at the Teatro Verdi in Trieste, Italy, in Giuseppe Verdi's "Rigoletto." Since then, she has built a reputation as one of the world's foremost sopranos. The Grammy-winning artist credited her parents as key influences in her career. Her mother, who aspired to become a singer, encouraged her to pursue vocal training from an early age. Her father once visited the Royal Opera House in London without an appointment to ask how his daughter might debut there. Decades later, Jo not only performed at the opera house but also became the first Asian prima donna to perform on the world's five major opera stages before the age of 30.
Recalling her upbringing, Jo mentioned that she was exposed to foreign languages and rigorous musical training as a child, which included long hours of piano practice from the age of 4. She attributed her success to her parents' immense love and belief.
To commemorate the milestone, the 63-year-old released a special album titled "Continuum" under SM Classics, a classical and jazz label of South Korea's SM Entertainment. The album reflects her past, present, and future repertoire and features collaborations with K-pop boy group EXO's Suho, American violinist Danny Koo, and the Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Choi Young-sun, according to its public relations agency.
The album was conceived as an exploration of continuity in both life and art. Jo wished to reinterpret her journey through new music and different languages, calling it a "present" for fans of all types of music.
Commenting on her duet with Suho, Jo valued his vocal tone and leadership, noting that his effort to expand his vocal range during recording left a strong impression. She expressed her love for K-pop and pride in the collaboration.
Jo is set to embark on a nationwide tour starting Saturday in Changwon, with performances in about 20 cities through December. She will also host the second Sumi Jo International Singing Competition in France's Loire Valley. She founded the biennial competition to support talented young vocalists on the global stage.
Looking ahead, Jo aims to continue developing her artistry, support emerging singers, and make classical music more accessible. She hopes to create concerts that people can enjoy more often, offering performances that bring small but certain happiness.