Sumi Jo Biography: Awards, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Films, Ethnicity, Songs

Sumi Jo is a renowned South Korean soprano who is celebrated for her exceptional vocal talent and contributions to classical music.

Born Jo Su-gyeong on November 22, 1962, in Changwon, South Korea, she rose to prominence through her stunning operatic performances and recordings.

Her breakthrough came with her role as Gilda in Giuseppe Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” which she debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1989.

This performance showcased her remarkable light and expressive voice, earning her acclaim.

Over the years, Sumi Jo has garnered international recognition for her operatic skills and her crossover projects that blend classical and contemporary music.

Profile

• Full name: Jo Su-gyeong
• Nickname: Sumi Jo
• Date of birth: November 22, 1962
• Age: 63 years old
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: Changwon, South Korea
• Nationality: South Korean
• Profession: Soprano
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Father – N/A; Mother – N/A
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: N/A
• Children: N/A
• Relationship status: N/A
• Religion: N/A
• Ethnicity: Korean
• Net worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Sumi Jo, born November 22, 1962, is now 63. She grew up in a musically inclined family. Her mother was an amateur singer with a deep admiration for Italian opera, which influenced Sumi’s early exposure to classical music.

Despite this environment, Sumi initially found herself more drawn to American pop music than opera. Nevertheless, she began formal music education at a young age, taking piano lessons at four and singing lessons at six.

Jo attended Seoul National University, where she excelled academically and received scholarships for voice and piano studies. However, she left after her second year to pursue further education at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome.

She graduated with honors in October 1986. While in Italy, she developed her vocal technique and transitioned from considering herself a mezzo-soprano to embracing the coloratura soprano repertoire.

Personal Life

Details about Sumi Jo’s personal life remain primarily private. Limited information is available regarding her marital status or any relationships. Throughout her career, she has mainly focused on her music and performances rather than publicizing her personal affairs.

Career

Sumi Jo’s career took off after winning several prestigious singing competitions early on. Her European operatic debut as Gilda at the Salzburg Festival marked a significant milestone in her career.

Following this success, she performed at major opera houses worldwide, including the Royal Opera House in London, Vienna State Opera, and Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires. Jo has released over 50 recordings throughout her career, becoming one of the best-selling classical artists globally.

Her Grammy-winning album “Die Frau ohne Schatten” with Sir Georg Solti solidified her reputation as a leading soprano. In addition to traditional opera roles, she has ventured into crossover projects that blend classical music with popular genres.

Awards

• 1 Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording (1993) for “R. Strauss: Die Frau Ohne Schatten”
• 1 Grammy Nomination (1996) for “Rossini: Tancredi”
• 1 First Prize at Carlo Alberto Cappelli International Competition (1986)
• 1 UNESCO Artist for Peace (2003)

Net worth

Sumi Jo’s estimated net worth is approximately $10 million. She has accumulated this wealth through her extensive career as a soprano, including performances at prestigious venues worldwide and recordings that have achieved commercial success.

Social Media

• Instagram: @sumijo_official
• Twitter: @SumiJoOfficial

Filmography

• Rigoletto (1989) – Metropolitan Opera House  
• Die Frau ohne Schatten (1992) – Vienna Philharmonic  
• Un Ballo in Maschera (1994) – Deutsche Grammophon  
• Ariadne auf Naxos (1999) – Deutsche Grammophon  
• The Magic Flute (2000) – Opéra National de Paris  

Discography

• Die Frau ohne Schatten  
• Un Ballo in Maschera  
• Mother  
• Tancredi  
• Lyrical Arias