Soprano Sumi Jo poses with the Genesis Electrified G80 at Château de la Ferté-Imbault, a historic castle in France’s Loire region, on Nov. 11 local time. Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group has launched support activities to discover global opera stars.
Hyundai Motor Group (005380.KS) said on the 12th that it participated as an official sponsor of the 2nd Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition, held on the 11th at Chateau de la Ferte Imbault, a historic castle in France’s Loire region. The Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition is an international contest founded by soprano Sumi Jo to discover emerging vocalists and nurture future talent. Following its inaugural edition in 2024, this year marked the second time it was held. This year’s competition was open to those aged 18 to 32, and about 500 people from 55 countries around the world applied.
The panel of judges included Sumi Jo, as well as 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 Alvarez also took part in the judging.
Hyundai Motor Group participated as an official sponsor again this year following the first edition, supporting the discovery of emerging vocalists. This year, marking the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations, the event carried added significance for expanding cultural and artistic exchange between the two countries. Hyundai Motor Group set up a separate exhibition space at Chateau de la Ferte Imbault, where the competition was held, and showcased the electrified Genesis GV70 and G80 models. It allowed global cultural and arts figures who attended side events such as the gala concert to experience the Genesis brand firsthand. The French subsidiaries of Hyundai Motor and Kia and the European subsidiary of Genesis invited major French customers and cultural and arts officials during the competition period, offering customer experiences linked to culture and the arts. The Genesis G90 was operated as a VIP vehicle for the transportation of judges and key participants, with a dedicated chauffeur service also provided.
“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 work alongside Hyundai Motor Group at an international cultural event that raises Korea’s standing.”