South Korean soprano Sumi Jo was in New Zealand earlier this year to judge the semi-finals and final of the Lexus Song Quest.
The lyric coloratura soprano has seen music contests from many sides, winning some of the most important singing competitions early in her operatic career, serving as an adjudicator on judging panels, and even having her own competition. The first Sumi Jo International Singing Competition took place in France in July this year.
She’s sung the great coloratura roles on the world’s major opera stages, and her voice was once described by conductor Herbert von Karajan as “the best gift God has given”.
During her stay in New Zealand, Sumi Jo took time out of a busy schedule to speak with RNZ Concert’s Clarissa Dunn about her singing career.
Music Details
Verdi, Giuseppe: Caro Nome, from Rigoletto - Sumi Jo, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra/Paolo Olmi (Erato 4509-97239)
Verdi, Giuseppe: Volta la terrea, from Un Ballo in Maschera Sumi Jo, Vienna State Opera Chorus, Vienna Philharmonic/Herbert von Karajan (DG 427635)
Music Details (Part 2)
Hwang Sang Jun & Yoon Donghyeok: Geu Dae Eop Neun Nal, from The Himalayas - Sumi Jo, JAM string (Decca 7767443)
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus: Der Hölle Rache, from The Magic Flute - Sumi Jo, Vienna Philharmonic/Georg Solti (Decca 473821)
Dvorak, Antonin arr Yvan Cassar: Songs My Mother Taught Me - Sumi Jo, Prague Philharmonia/Ondrej Lenard (Decca 7767443)
