World-class soprano Sumi Jo has joined hands with SM Entertainment (hereafter SM). She signed an exclusive recording contract (Exclusive Recording Contract) for album and music production.
This contract is drawing attention in the music world because it marks the first recording exclusive artist recruited by SM's classical & jazz label "SM Classics" (SM Classics). With this, Sumi Jo's diverse musical path is set to expand worldwide through SM Classics, and as the signal flare for that, she will release a debut 40th anniversary special album, "Continuum" (Continuum), in May.
Sumi Jo said, "This album is the fruit of a long time and at the same time signifies another beginning. My music does not remain at any single moment but continues and moves toward new possibilities. This record includes high-difficulty coloratura arias that I have not previously recorded on albums, as well as new music by contemporary composers. It is work that breaks down the boundary between the heritage of orthodox classical music and a modern sensibility, and rather than remaining on a familiar path, continuing to challenge new music — that is my true approach to music," and she added that she teamed up with SM, the optimal partner for these challenges and for expanding Korean classical music.
The new release in May, "Continuum," contains an extensive repertoire of 11 pieces that span the past, present and future of maestro Sumi Jo. Top domestic and international composers including Yiruma, Park Jonghun, Kim Jinhwan, Choi Jin, Ko Younghwan, Yoon Jaeun and Muramatsu Takatsugu participated, and the album's completeness was enhanced by the conducting of Choi Youngseon and the performance of the Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition, a duet with EXO's Suho and a feature by violinist Dannigu added a popular sensibility to orthodox classical music, achieving a refined harmony.
SM Classics has started its second phase by recruiting Jo Heekyung, who has worked as a professional classical & jazz record producer at global labels such as Universal Music and Warner Music, as head to expand and globalize K-classical. CEO Jo Heekyung said, "Under the motto 'Classical Heritage, Modern Soul,' I plan to devote myself to globalizing Korean artists' classical, crossover and jazz, and the starting point will be this album by Sumi Jo."
The contract SM Classics signed with Sumi Jo for an "Exclusive Recording Artist" is in the form of contracts made with major global labels and is a cooperation model focused on planning, recording and distribution of albums and music. Through the contract, Sumi Jo will receive full support from SM Classics for album and music production.
Meanwhile, Sumi Jo is continuing a large-scale project that connects global stages in celebration of her 40th anniversary since debut. Following successful performances at London's Cadogan Hall and New York's Carnegie Hall in March, she will meet domestic fans through a nationwide tour in May, including Seoul, Changwon, Bucheon and Yongin. This tour is expected to be a meaningful stage that synthesizes Sumi Jo's 40-year music career.
In addition, Sumi Jo is accelerating efforts to train the next generation as well as her activities as a performer. In July she will hold the "2nd Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition" at Château de la Ferté-en-Beauvais in France to directly discover next-generation artists and expand the base of classical music.
[photo] provided by SM Entertainment
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