Internationally celebrated as one of the greatest bel canto sopranos of her generation, Sumi Jo has captivated audiences for nearly four decades with a voice praised for its shimmering beauty, astonishing agility and emotional depth. Since her professional debut in Italy in 1986, she has graced the world’s most prestigious stages, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Vienna State Opera, Teatro alla Scala in Milan, the Royal Ballet & Opera, Covent Garden in London, and major concert halls across Europe, Asia and the Americas. Her wide-ranging repertoire embraces the brilliant coloratura roles of Donizetti, Bellini and Rossini and her carefully chosen concert and recital programmes reveal her unique artistry and musical curiosity.

Throughout her career Jo has been honoured with many of the highest awards in music and culture. She received the Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording in 1993, the Republic of Korea’s Gold Order of Cultural Merit in 2008, Italy’s Order of Merit, Commendatore, in 2011, and was named Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (OSI) by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the promotion of Italian culture worldwide. In 2025 she added another distinguished accolade to this list: France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, bestowed for her outstanding contribution to the international exchange of culture and the promotion of the arts. These honours reflect not only her peerless musicianship but also her dedication to building bridges between cultures through music.

An ardent champion of her homeland’s musical heritage, Jo has made the global promotion of Korean art song a central mission. As Artistic Director of K-Gagok Superstar – a groundbreaking initiative launched in 2024 – she mentors young artists and presents the poetry and music of Korea in their original language to audiences worldwide. Her leadership in this project has already inspired new commissions, recordings and international performances, ensuring that this distinctive repertoire earns a lasting place on the world stage.

In July 2024, the Sumi Jo International Singing Competition was launched, designed by Jo as a platform to showcase the talent of exceptional young artists from around the world and to promote their careers globally. Held in the beautiful surroundings of the Chateau de La Ferte-Imbault outside of Paris, the competition was hugely successful and will now be held biennially, the second edition scheduled for July 2026.

Approaching the fortieth anniversary of her professional debut, Jo continues to expand her artistic horizons. In 2025 she embarks on a major worldwide concert tour, Bel Canto & Beyond, celebrating the milestones of her career while exploring fresh musical collaborations that reach beyond the traditional operatic sphere. She is also recording a cross-genre album at London’s legendary AIR Studios, partnering with a new generation of vocal talents and reaffirming her role as a mentor and innovator.

Jo’s discography now encompasses more than fifty solo albums released by Erato, Deutsche Grammophon and Warner Classics, many of which have achieved multimillion sales and remain benchmarks of vocal excellence. Countless live recordings and concert films circulate on major streaming platforms, inspiring singers and listeners alike. Critics across the globe continue to hail her “voice of rare luminous brilliance” and her “unfailing elegance of style,” confirming her place among the most admired artists of our time.

Beyond the concert hall, Sumi Jo serves as a United Nations cultural and peace ambassador, using music as a powerful instrument for dialogue, hope, and humanitarian awareness. Whether on the opera stage, in the recording studio, or in her philanthropic work, she embodies the belief that music can transcend borders and speak directly to the human spirit. With her extraordinary career, unwavering commitment to the arts and newly awarded French and Italian honours, Sumi Jo stands in 2025 as a luminous symbol of artistic excellence and cultural diplomacy.

photo © Yeongjun Kim