Genesis G80 electrified model and soprano Sumi Jo displayed at the Château de La Ferté-Imbault, a historic castle in France’s central Loire region, from the 6th to the 11th (local time) this month. Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group has continued its global arts and culture support activities by officially sponsoring the Second Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition, held to discover the next generation of opera stars.
On the 12th, Hyundai Motor Group announced that it participated as an official sponsor of the Second Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition, held from the 6th (local time) through the 11th at Château de la Ferté-Imbault, a historic castle in the Loire region of central France.
The Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition is an international contest founded by world-renowned soprano Sumi Jo to discover emerging vocalists and cultivate the next generation of talent. Following its inaugural event in 2024, this year marked its second edition.
This year’s competition was open to vocal students aged 18 to 32. With some 500 applicants from 55 countries worldwide, it has established itself as an international stage for discovering the next generation of vocal talent.
The judging panel included Sumi Jo, along with Jonathan Friend, former artistic advisor at the Metropolitan Opera in New York; Paolo Gavazzeni, casting manager at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy; and Melanie Almendinger, head of artistic administration at the Royal Opera House in London. Alain Lanceron, honorary president of Warner Classics and Erato, and world-renowned tenor Marcelo Álvarez also served as judges.
Following its participation in the first competition, Hyundai Motor Group took part again this year as an official sponsor, supporting the growth of emerging vocalists and their entry onto the global stage. This year held particular significance, marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France and expanding cultural and artistic exchanges between the two nations.
Hyundai Motor Group set up a separate exhibition space at Château de la Ferté-Imbault, where the competition was held, showcasing the Genesis GV70 electrified model and the G80 electrified model. The company gave global arts and culture figures attending the gala concert and other side events the opportunity to experience the Genesis brand firsthand.
The French subsidiaries of Hyundai Motor and Kia, along with the Genesis Europe subsidiary, invited major French customers and figures from the arts and culture sector during the competition period, providing customer experiences linked to arts and culture. Genesis G90 vehicles were operated as protocol cars to transport judges and key participants, along with a dedicated chauffeur service.
“I held this competition to discover and support artists with an international vision so that we can create a better world through music,” Sumi Jo said. “I am proud and grateful to join Hyundai Motor Group in an international cultural event that raises Korea’s standing.”
“It is highly meaningful to continue sponsoring this competition, held in France in this significant year marking the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations,” a Hyundai Motor Group official said. “We will continue to contribute to broadening the foundation of arts and culture and to global cultural exchange, while strengthening communication with global customers.”