Sumi Jo: "'CONTINUUM' Marks My 40th Anniversary Album... A Pledge to Keep Striving"

Soprano Sumi Jo has released a new album, "CONTINUUM," to mark the 40th anniversary of her debut.

At a press conference held at the Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on May 6, Sumi Jo explained, "'CONTINUUM' is a Latin word meaning 'to continue' or 'in progress,'" adding that the album reflects her determination to continue striving as a musician, just as she always has. She said, "Just like in life, I don't think you can clearly say where art begins or ends. Although I am celebrating my 40th debut anniversary, my career is still ongoing, and this album was created as I reflected on what I can do for myself and the world going forward."

Soprano Sumi Jo is taking a commemorative photo at the press conference celebrating her 40th anniversary since debut, held on the 6th at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

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Sumi Jo also announced three directions for her life as a vocalist moving forward. First, she stated her intention to remain true to her role as an opera singer. Sumi Jo said, "I will continue to study relentlessly, sing with even greater depth, and move forward as a vocalist who discovers new works."

She went on to express her commitment to nurturing the next generation of singers. In 2024, Sumi Jo held the inaugural Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition. The second edition of the competition is currently underway, with the final winners to be announced in July.

She noted, "About 430 singers from 44 countries participated in the first competition, and this year, approximately 500 applicants from 55 countries applied," adding, "The level is incredibly high and almost unbelievable."

After announcing the final winners, Sumi Jo will present a concert at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall on September 8, performing with the prizewinners just as she did after the first competition.

Sumi Jo emphasized that it is crucial not only to discover talented singers but also to provide them with opportunities and venues to perform on stage. She added, "I feel even more excited about sharing the stage with young prizewinners than with my own solo recitals."

Furthermore, she stressed that the goal of the competition is to nurture musicians who possess both talent and integrity, not just musical ability. Sumi Jo said, "I want to foster artists who have a clear worldview and pride in their country and hometown, rather than simply being good singers. My aim is to nurture opera singers who, with both talent and character, can serve as messengers of peace."

The 2nd Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition will be held from July 5 to 11 at the Ch?teau de la Fert?-Imbault in the Loire region of France. In mid-June, 24 finalists will be announced, and among them, 9 will advance to the final round. The top 3 winners will receive prize money as well as the opportunity to perform on stage in Korea with Sumi Jo.

Finally, Sumi Jo expressed her desire to present more approachable concerts for those who find classical music intimidating or hesitate to attend due to ticket prices. She said, "I want to create many performances where people can enjoy music without burden, as in park concerts or 'Happiness for 1,000 Won', and experience small but certain moments of happiness."

Album cover commemorating Sumi Jo's 40th anniversary since debut.

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The new album features 11 tracks. With the exception of "Concerto for Coloratura Soprano, 1st Movement Andante" by Ukrainian composer Reinhold Gli?re (1875-1956), all are newly composed works by Korean composers. Sumi Jo said, "My intention for this album is to provide an opportunity for Korean composers to showcase new music." Regarding Gli?re's piece, she explained, "It was extremely difficult to sing and record, but I confidently placed it as the first track."

Among the other tracks is a new piece by composer Yiruma, as well as a duet with Suho, the leader of the male group EXO. Sumi Jo introduced the album as "one that can be enjoyed by listeners who love not only classical music, but also pop and musical theater."

To commemorate the album's release, Sumi Jo is planning a tour of 20 cities across Korea. The first concert will be held on May 9 at the Seongsan Art Center in Changwon, Gyeongnam, which is the hometown of her parents. Sumi Jo said, "Although my parents are no longer with me, I wanted them to be the first to hear this album performed live."

In between her domestic tour, Sumi Jo will also perform overseas in Vienna, Berlin, Lisbon, Singapore, and the United States, so the Korean tour will continue until her performance at the Daejeon Arts Center on December 31. The Seoul concert will be held at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall on September 4.

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