#127 Sumi Jo Sings at Habib House

[스티븐스 대사]

(From left) With Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chung Byoung-gug, Soprano Sumi Jo, and designer Seo Seung-yeon

August 22 was a night to remember at Habib House.  Sumi Jo, one of the great opera singers of our time, performed and filled the Residence with her incredible voice.

I first saw Sumi Jo in Lisbon ten years ago when I was living there; Sumi Jo was touring Europe.  She sang the role of Lucia in Donizetti’s wonderful opera Lucia di Lammermoor.  It was unforgettable.  And so I went to see her for a second time in Lisbon – this time performing a concert of songs by all the greats, in multiple languages – German, Italian, English, Spanish.  The concert hall was packed with all people of all nationalities, but I think it may also have been the largest gathering ever of Koreans on the Iberian Peninsula. 

What I will never forget is that as she ended that concert she announced that she wanted to sing one final song about Korea, about her homeland.  And then she sang 그리운 금강산, “Longing for Mt. Geumgang.”  I had been away from Korea for ten years.  I had no idea that I would have the chance to return.  But I was in tears as she sang.  And I too longed for Korea, and for Korea’s reconciliation and reunification.

Sumi Jo delights the audience at Habib House, accompanied by violinist Anna Fedotova.

Now, ten years later, I can’t believe that I am completing three years as U.S. Ambassador to Korea – and that Sumi Jo performed at Habib House!  And yes, Sumi Jo sang “Longing for Mt. Gumgang” again.  It was a moving and unforgettable moment.

Habib House is a wonderful venue for music, with its high ceilings and large wooden beams.  The acoustics are excellent.  During my time in Seoul, I’ve hosted American musicians like a chamber group from the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Harvard and Yale a cappella groups, highlighting American artists and American cultural traditions.  I have also hosted Korean performers who in their artistry and accomplished careers exemplify the strong bonds our two nations share - bonds that span the political, economic, and the cultural spectrum.

Music, like other art forms, can transcend cultural differences, bridge the generations, and communicate beyond language.  Music brings people together. 

In addition to Korean government and business leaders, many of Korea’s cultural stars were in attendance.  Culture, Sports, and Tourism Minister Chung Byoung Gug; National Museum of Contemporary Art Director General Dr. Bae Soon-hoon; Korea Furniture Museum Director General Chyung Mi-sook; Mezzo Soprano and Kyunghee University professor Lee A-kyong; photographer Kim Joong-man; CREDIA Art Management President Jung Jae-wook; fashion designer Moon Young-hee; Creative Art Director and designer So Seung-yeon to name a few.

Sumi Jo’s performance will be the last concert at Habib House during my tenure.  I can’t think of a more memorable way to finish.  Thank you, Sumi, for a very special evening and for all you do to promote peace and understanding in our world.  Congratulations on your twenty-five years of brilliance on the world stage!