South Korean diva harmonizes

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-11 09:40

The Divas in Beijing concerts series will present beloved South Korean soprano Sumi Jo at the National Center for the Performing Arts tonight.

The versatile soprano just graced the same concert hall on Aug 5, performing Under the Five Rings, the song written by Chinese composer Xu Peidong to celebrate the Beijing Olympics, alongside an all-star cast of world opera performers.

"I'm so honored and happy to be invited to perform during the Beijing Olympic Games," she says. "It's an incredible opportunity to share music with both the Chinese audience and the international visitors at the special occasion."

Praised for the remarkable agility, precision and warmth of her voice, and for her outstanding musicianship, Jo has established herself as one of her generation's most sought-after sopranos.

Today, Jo is in constant demand to perform at such varied festivals and special events as the 2002 World Cup, a gala concert tour of Asia with Andrea Bocelli, and a program of Viennese favorites performed in conjunction with the celebrated Cincinnati Pops.

"My dream is not to be an opera singer, but a missionary to share music with people from different countries, and promote the friendship and understanding between peoples in the West and East," she says.

During tonight's concert, Jo will sing arias from Gounod's Romeo and Juliet, Rossini's Barber of Seville and well-known Korean songs.

Chen Jie

Address: 2 Xichang'an Jie, Xicheng district 西城区西长安街2号国家大剧院

Time: 7:30 pm, Aug 11

Tel: 6655-0000