Soprano Sumi Jo looks back on 40 yrs on world stage with pride

▲ Soprano Sumi Jo speaks during a press conference in Seoul on May 6, 2026, to mark the 40th anniversary of her international debut. (Yonhap)

▲ Soprano Sumi Jo poses for photos during a press conference in Seoul on May 6, 2026, to mark the 40th anniversary of her international debut. (Yonhap)

soprano-press conference

Soprano Sumi Jo looks back on 40 yrs on world stage with pride

By Shim Sun-ah

SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korean soprano Sumi Jo, widely regarded as one of the leading voices in classical music, said Wednesday she feels proud as she reflects on her four decades-long career on the international stage.

Speaking at a press conference in Seoul to mark the 40th anniversary of her global debut this year, Jo reflected on a journey she described as "not easy" but ultimately rewarding.

"If I could speak to myself back then, I would first say thank you, and second, 'Well done, Sumi Jo,'" she said. "I believe I've come this far with pride through hard work."

Jo made her international debut in 1986 at the Teatro Verdi in Trieste, Italy, in Giuseppe Verdi's "Rigoletto," and has since 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 had aspired to become a singer, encouraged her to pursue vocal training from an early age. When she was in her third year of high school, she said, her father visited the Royal Opera House in London without an appointment to ask the director how his daughter might one day debut there. Decades later, she 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 said she was exposed to foreign languages and rigorous musical training as a child, including long hours of piano practice from the age of 4. "Without my parents' immense love and belief, I don't think I would be where I am today," she said.

To commemorate the milestone, the 63-year-old released a special album, titled "Continuum," on Tuesday under SM Classics, a classical and jazz label of South Korea's SM Entertainment with which she signed an exclusive recording deal.

The 11-track 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.

Jo said the album was conceived as an exploration of continuity in both life and art. "There is no clear beginning or end in human life and art," she said.

"I wanted to reinterpret my journey through new music and different languages," she added, calling it a "present" for fans of all types of music whether classical, musical or pop.

Commenting on her duet with Suho, Jo said she valued his vocal tone and leadership, adding that his effort to expand his vocal range during recording left a strong impression.

"I love K-pop and take pride in it," she said. "The result is a very good piece."

Jo is set to embark on a nationwide tour starting Saturday in Changwon, about 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, with performances planned in about 20 cities through December. She will also host the second Sumi Jo International Singing Competition from July 5-11 at the historic Chateau de la Ferte-Imbault in France's Loire Valley.

She founded the biennial international singing contest in 2024 to support talented young vocalists on the global stage.

Looking ahead, Jo said she aims to continue developing her artistry, support emerging singers and make classical music more accessible.

"Many people think classical music is difficult or expensive," she said. "I want to create concerts that people can enjoy more often -- performances that bring small but certain happiness."

(END)

(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved