Maestro Mehta promises to return for concert

Maestro Zubin Mehta, unable to conduct for the Vienna Philharmonic performing in Korea with top soprano Jo Sumi for reasons of health, has promised he will hold a concert in Korea next time.

"The maestro asked I deliver the hopeful message that he promises to hold a performance in Korea," Jo told reporters during a press conference at Seoul Arts Center (SAC) on Tuesday.

"I was very worried upon hearing he had health problems. He is so healthy that he has never cancelled a concert before," explained Jo. "But I talked to him over the phone and was relieved to hear he is doing better."

The celebrated soprano also expressed her hopes for tonight's performance with newly-designated conductor Tugan Sokhiev. "We met for the first time at the rehearsal yesterday but we harmonized better than I expected so I was able to sleep well thinking Sokhiev is a conductor worth introducing to our audience."

The "Vienna Philharmonic with Jo Sumi", to be held at the SAC at 8 p.m. will be aired live at the outdoor plaza of the center's Vitamin Station.

The orchestra will perform Haydn's Symphony No. 104 and Brahm's Symphony No.4. The singer will join in to sing pieces including "Mein Herr Marquis" from Strauss' "Die Fledermaus," and "Ah Forse Lui," from Verdi's "La Traviata."