Sumi Jo to Tour at Years End
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Internationally renowned Korean soprano Sumi Jo is returning to local fans to celebrate the end of the year with crossover tenor Alessandro Safina.
The soprano graced fans with her new album, ``Missing You,'' in September, and now she has prepared a special concert tour ``Dream With Me'' that will offer beautiful melodies from her album.
``The most important thing in life is family, and I miss home the most when I travel,'' the 45-year-old Jo told The Korea Times during an interview last September. She explained that the album was like returning home and indeed, the album is a package of world folk music ranging from Nordic hymns and Mexican serenades to Yiddish melodies, embodying Jo's musical journey around the world.
Her performing with Italian tenor Safina is not her first, as the two artists have appeared on stage together here and abroad.
After their successful performance in Israel last June, Safina eagerly contacted Jo when he heard that she was releasing a new album, and the two eventually decided to appear on stage together for local fans. His ``popera'' music has gained popularity here ever since his performance with Jo back in 2003, along with his movie star looks and charm.
``Dream With Me'' carries a program full of warm and sentimental love songs perfect for the chilly holiday season.
The concert will start with two famous original movie themes, ``Non ti scordar di me'' from ``Forget Me Not'' (1936) and ``She'' from ``Notting Hill'' (1999).
Jo and Safina will continue with beautiful serenades like ``The Prayer,'' which was sung by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion for the movie ``First Knight'' (1995), and also delightful love song ``I Love You So,'' from Vienna.
The singers will present more passionate numbers in the second session, with songs like ``Que Sera Sera,'' ``Beautiful Dreamer'' and ``Besame Mucho.''
Along with American, Swedish, and Irish folk songs, Safina will accompany Jo and offer Korean folk song ``Mother, Sister,'' which is also the last and the most important track on her album.
During an interview last September, Jo mentioned that singling out one Korean song was tough, but speaking to her mother made it easier.
``My mom reminded me of how I used to get in trouble for fooling around and not practicing the piano when I was young,'' she said.
As for finishing up the trip, Jo and Safina has prepared ``Home Sweet Home'' and ``Time to Say Goodbye'' as finales.
The winner of the prestigious International Puccini Award and the UNESCO Artist of Peace laureate, Jo will grace fans with her charismatic stage presence and colorful range with Safina and the Mostly Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Michael Staudacher.
The Dream With Me Concert tour will start Dec.3 at Ilsan, and continue through Seoul, Busan, Yongin, and Ansan. The Seoul performance will be at Seoul Arts Center Dec. 5. Tickets cost from 70,000 won to 150,000 won. For more information call (02) 3461-0976.