Sumi Jo’s 40-Year Journey: What to Expect from Her Special Album ‘CONTINUUM’ and Upcoming World Tour

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[Sports Seoul | Reporter Pyo Kwonhyang] The illustrious 40-year career of soprano Sumi Jo, now 63, is entering a new chapter. With the release of a special album, CONTINUUM, and plans for an international vocal competition, a national tour and global performances, she has signaled fresh artistic directions and expanded repertoire ahead.

At a press conference on May 6 at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam, Jo reflected on her career and outlined ongoing creative ambitions.

Jo made her international debut in 1986 at Italy’s Verdi Theatre and was hailed as “a voice from the gods.” Over four decades she has established herself as a true prima donna on the world’s stages. She has also pushed the boundaries of classical singing through crossovers into jazz, musical theater and even K-pop.

The year 2026 holds special significance for Jo, and she plans to keep challenging herself. Her debut project will include the special album CONTINUUM, a tour of roughly 20 cities across Korea plus international concerts, and the Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition.

“When I showed the 40th-anniversary album to my staff and younger colleagues, many of them hadn’t even been born yet,” Jo said. “It made me realize how long I’ve been onstage. I’m grateful for these 40 years. I want to tell my younger self, ‘You did well. You came a long way. I’m proud of you.’ It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve worked hard, and I’m proud to be here.”

The project’s first move is the special album CONTINUUM. The title, from Latin meaning “continuing,” signals Jo’s intention to carry on evolving.

The 11-track album blends personal material, a technically demanding Russian coloratura aria she had not previously recorded, and new works by domestic and international composers. Rather than selecting pieces that fit a prescribed image, Jo chose music that follows the arc of her life and explores new genres.

To produce the album she signed an exclusive agreement with SM Classics, SM Entertainment’s classical and jazz label. To merge the depth of traditional classical music with contemporary textures, the album features a duet with EXO’s Suho, a contribution from violinist Danny Gu, and performances with the Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Choi Young-sun.

“I put a coloratura aria—one I’ve always found difficult to sing—on the first track,” Jo said. She described collaborating with new composers who seemed to understand her inner life: the feelings she had leaving for study in Italy, her apprehension about French art song, longing for home, and reflections on the world beyond this life. “I walked along the Seine worrying about the future; I gave up someone I loved. The album captures personal sorrow and excitement,” she said. “When I sing ‘Arirang Cantabile,’ I picture my parents—those who always worried and loved me. The record contains every moment that was deep, hard, and at the same time rewarding.”

Jo will bring the program to audiences at home and abroad. She launches the international leg in May with concerts in London and New York, followed by performances in Vienna, Lisbon, Singapore and other cities, with major dates across the U.S. and Australia to follow.

In Korea, the tour opens in Changwon on the 9th. She will visit about 20 cities nationwide, including Seoul, Daegu, Gwangju and Busan. In Seoul, Jo will mark her 40th anniversary with a recital on September 4 and will perform “2006 The Magic, Sumi Jo and Winners” on the 8th with winners of the Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition.

Explaining her choice of Changwon as the tour’s first stop, Jo said, “It’s a city of personal importance. My parents were born and lived there. They gave me the greatest courage in my 40-year career. Even though they’re no longer here, I want them to hear my music live.”

Now in its second year, the Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition will be held July 5–11 at the historic Château de la Ferté in France’s Loire region.

The competition aims to discover the next generation of opera stars and help young singers begin international careers. About 500 singers from 47 countries applied to the inaugural 2024 competition; Korean tenor Lee Gi-eop finished third.

This year, entrants came from 55 countries. Organizers combined video screenings with live auditions abroad to select 24 finalists. Nine contestants advanced to the final round, and the top three winners will receive prize money and opportunities to perform with Sumi Jo and on Korean stages starting in 2026.

“We received a stronger field of applicants than last year,” Jo said. “I’m even more excited than I was about my 40th anniversary. I feel like a big sister. Standing onstage with these young singers as a mentor carries deep meaning. I plan to support them so they can continue building experience and careers.”

gioia@sportsseoul.com