[News Culture] Soprano Sumi Jo has become the first Asian artist to receive the Premio Internazionale Maria Callas.
Jo was presented with the award’s 12th edition in Verona, Italy, in recognition of her contribution to opera and classical music.
The ceremony was held on Aug. 2, the date Maria Callas first appeared onstage in Verona in Ponchielli’s ‘La Gioconda’ in 1947. Held 79 years later in the same city, the presentation gave Jo’s award particular significance.
The Premio Internazionale Maria Callas honors artists who have made a distinguished contribution to the operatic world. Previous recipients include director Franco Zeffirelli and baritone Leo Nucci.
Jo said the timing and location made the award especially memorable.
“Maria Callas began an important part of her history in this city on the same date 79 years ago,” she said. “It is a great honor to receive an award bearing her name, and I will remember this moment for a long time.”
The recognition comes as Jo celebrates the 40th anniversary of her international debut.
Her anniversary projects include the album ‘CONTINUUM,’ an international vocal competition and performances abroad. The schedule reflects a career that remains active across recording, live performance and support for emerging vocalists.
Jo is also set to perform at the Concert Hall of the Seoul Arts Center on Sept. 4 as part of her 40th-anniversary celebrations.
The concert will bring her back to a Korean audience at a defining point in her career, drawing on four decades of experience while presenting the work she continues to pursue today.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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