40 years on stage, soprano Sumi Jo says music can 'change people'

Renowned Korean soprano Sumi Jo has said she hopes to "share the love" she has received through music as she marks the 40th anniversary of her stage debut. "How did 40 years pass like this? People say life is but a midsummer night's dream," the 63-year-old told Yonhap News Agency in an interview ahead of her anniversary concert "Mad for Love," to be held at London's Cadogan Hall on Thursday. "Reading my diaries from those years, I realize I truly lived with all my heart." The Grammy-winning artist said the concert program reflects her artistic journey, spanning baroque repertoire, opera arias and Korean art songs. She invited young American baritone Edward Nelson as a guest performer, part of her effort to support emerging talent. Since taking the role of Gilda in Verdi's "Rigoletto" at the Teatro Verdi in Trieste, Italy, in 1986, Jo has performed in leading opera houses around the world. Her ties with Britain date back to her high school days, when her father visited London in the late 1970s and asked officials at the Royal Opera House how his daughter might one day debut there. DecadesWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times