Famous for her bel canto interpretations and the almost inhuman ease with which she conquers long sequences of apparently impossible vocal heights, Korean-born soprano Sumi Jo will appear on the last day at the Caramoor Fall Festival with the Festival’s Opera Director Will Crutchfield.
Crutchfield will accompany the Grammy-winning soprano as she sings Vivaldi, Handel, Bellini, Grieg, Mendelssohn, Gounod, and Bernstein at the Rosen House in New York on Oct. 4.
In a special online interview with The Epoch Times, Ms. Sumi Jo shared her feelings about appearing at the largest annual outdoor music festival in metropolitan New York, as well as her joys as an artist.
“The pieces chosen for this concert are all very special to me. The concerts that I like the most are the ones where the soloist is accompanied by a piano. I feel myself free, and I enjoy the intimate atmosphere that the human voice and the piano create together. We tried to include a bit of everything; I hope the audience will enjoy it as much as we will!”
Known for her impeccable work, it is no surprise that among Sumi Jo's beloved operas are “La Sonnambula,” known for its difficulty, requiring perfect voice command and florid technique; Bellini’s last opera “I Puritani;” and one of Verdi’s greatest masterpieces “Rigoletto.” But recently she noted that there has been a change in her preferences.
“Lately I feel emotionally connected to the more comic roles that I am performing. That’s the case for Marie in “La Fille du Regiment,” Zerline in “Fra Diavolo,” Rosina in “Il Barbiere di Siviglia,” and Fiorilla in “Il Turco in Italia.” I love to have fun onstage, and I do believe that [these roles are] a better match for my real personality.”
Watch and listen to Sumi Jo's performance of "La Traviata" by Giuseppe Verdi.
Caramoor and Crutchfield
Ms. Sumi Jo appreciates the Caramoor Festival initiative, now in its 64th year. It has for a long time become a cornerstone of the cultural life in the city.
“I admire the work being done at Caramoor for many reasons. On the one hand, there are always young people singing here, and I acknowledge the chance that is given to young artists to perform here in New York City; on the other hand, the more experienced ones at Caramoor are fantastic artists and colleagues.”
Sumi Jo has a special relationship with Caramoor, which began several years ago. Maestro Crutchfield invited her to sing her favorite role, Adina in Bellini's “La Sonnambula.”
“It was such a thrilling experience, and the audience was very enthusiastic. The following year I came back for another Bellini opera, “I Puritani.”
Caramoor Festival Opera Director Will Crutchfield has been with Ms. Sumi Jo for most of her New York appearances. He himself is a distinguished musician and became famous as the youngest music critic in the history of The New York Times.
“Maestro Crutchfield is one of the artists that I respect the most. He not only has knowledge of opera that keeps amazing me, but also has sensibility as a conductor/pianist. Even more, [I admire] his creative talent. In both operas that I had the pleasure of performing with him, he wrote many of the variations. When I first heard them, I remember, I thought to myself that it would be too difficult. But then, working with him was inspirational, so everything seemed to become easier.”
It is exactly the artistry and virtuosity of her collaborators that motivates Sumi Jo to strive for even higher musical horizons.
“I am inspired by the talent and the sensibility of my colleagues. Working with them touches me so deeply and pushes me to try to become better, to keep learning and to keep experimenting.”
Discovered by Karajan; Callas her favorite
Famous for her remarkable vivacity and rare technical excellence, Sumi Jo has been praised as one of the most sought-after contemporary opera singers in the world. Her talent was revealed in 1986 by the great German conductor Herbert von Karajan when he chose her to perform in an Austrian video production.
“I was blessed to meet Maestro von Karajan. He has inspired me ever since, and I keep the most beautiful memories of our work together.”
As for singers, Sumi Jo admits Joan Sutherland, Montserrat Caballe, and Renata Scotto have largely influenced her career. Nevertheless, she thinks Maria Callas remains the best.
“Maria Callas, without any doubts, is my favorite. There is no one that comes close to her.”
East to West: 'The world listens to the same beat'
“Evidently, the musical background of Korea when I was young was different from the one in Europe at the same time. When I graduated from the Seoul Conservatory I had the opportunity to choose where to go in order to pursue my musical career. I am happy that I decided to go to Rome then, where the origins of opera were established. It helped me understand what opera is really about.”
But now she feels the world has changed and is becoming more and more unified. This makes it easier for different cultures to understand and accept each other.
“Nowadays, the world listens to the same beat. With the internet and the speed of communication, there are no barriers anymore. Koreans are big fans of musicals and sometimes I wonder when the streets of Seoul will transform into Broadway. Eastern music is also expanding and getting lots of fans in the West.”
In line with her cosmopolitan perspective, Sumi Jo tirelessly plans her next performances which will include tours around the world and numerous concerts.
“After New York, I will be singing in Hong Kong, Australia, and will make a round in Korea. Next year I have booked an American tour, a tour of Japan, and concerts in Singapore, China, Australia, Brazil, Paris, Belgium, and Germany.”
For more information about the Caramoor Festival, please visit: http://caramoor.org/html/fallfest.htm
More information about Sumi Jo: http://www.josumi.com/