사진은 9월 29일에 합동 연주를 하게될, 세계적인 소프라노 조수미 입니다. 오는 9월 29일, 서울 예술의 전당에서, 좀처럼 성사되기 쉽지 않은 세계적인 소프라노 가수 한국이 낳은 조수미, 지휘로 명성을 날리고 있는 주빈 메타, 그리고 비엔나 필 하모닉 오케스트라 가 합동 공연을 한다고 합니다. 06-09-2009 16:56 Sumi Jo, Zubin Mehta and Vienna Phil Korean soprano Sumi Jo has come a long way as a superstar, but she is not ready to take a break just yet. The renowned artist will perform with maestro Zubin Mehta and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at Seoul Arts Center, Sept. 29. / Yonhap By Han Sang-hee Staff Reporter The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is joining one of Korea's ― and the world's ― favorite sopranos Sumi Jo and conductor Zubin Mehta this coming November. This performance is particularly special as it is the first time the revered orchestra, soprano and maestro will join together on stage. ``It's a great honor to perform with the Vienna Philharmonic, which is adored by the world, and also my very good friend Zubin. (The performance) will be a once in a lifetime experience and I believe we will all make beautiful memories,'' Jo said at a press conference held at the sponsor Hyundai Card's building in southern Seoul, last week. Jo has performed with both Mehta and the Vienna Phil in the past, but chances of them performing together are rare, as they have tight schedules at numerous venues around the world, for years ahead. ``To be honest, this concert was almost impossible to fit into my schedule. I have one event in Paris before the (Seoul performance) and another in New York a few days later. I was worried because I thought it would be too exhausting, not to mention outrageous geographically, but I thought again and decided that it was important for me to perform with the orchestra and Mehta particularly in Korea for the first time,'' she said. Along with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the Vienna Philharmonic is considered one of the best orchestras in the world. With a history of 167 years, the members of the orchestra are chosen after playing for a minimum of three years for the Vienna State Opera and Ballet. The musician is then given the chance to apply for an audition for a position in the Philharmonic, and once appointed as a member, he or she gets to travel around the world as part of one of Europe's finest orchestras. When asked what she thought of the orchestra as a soprano, Jo smiled and stressed that the Vienna Philharmonic portrayed the romance, beauty and magic of Austria, adding that it was more human and artistic than others such as the London and New York Philharmonic. ``Each orchestra has different pitches, which are universally the note `la.' The Vienna's pitch is higher than others, and so for a soprano who sings high notes like me, it can be quite a burden. I remember when I was performing with the great Vienna Philharmonic ― my legs were shaking! There is no doubt that they are the best of the best in the world,'' she said. Jo also stressed her friendship with maestro Mehta, honorary conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic, saying that he was not only a great conductor, but also an inspiring Asian who loved his country. ``I am much like Mehta. Whenever it is time for a meal, he would take everyone to have Indian food, just like me who needs Korean food for energy. He is a classical musician, but he is also a great entertainer who knows how to communicate with the audience. I think it's important for a musician to lower themselves to the viewers' level and try to connect with them, and that is what Mehta is good at,'' said Jo. The program of the upcoming concert was mainly organized by Mehta himself, including Brahms' Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98; Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 104 in D major; ``Je Veux Vivre'' from Charles Gounod's ``Romeo et Juliette''; and ``Mein Herr Marquis'' from Johann Strauss II's ``Die Fledermaus.'' ``The maestro selected numbers that would compliment my range and also those that were well known to the local public,'' Jo said, adding that they have prepared encores of some of her and also her Korean fans' favorites. Despite her tight schedule, Jo looked ravishing in her white sequined dress and relieved fans by saying that she was not ready for a break just yet. ``There always comes a time of transition to artists and for me, they were mostly positive times. I consider singing a calling from God and for now, I want to spend my time singing, studying and offering my music to more people around the world. Just like my motto `beautiful challenge,' I am still eager to learn music and passion, and that will continue for the time being,'' said Jo. The performance of Sumi Jo, Zubin Mehta and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra will take place at Seoul Arts Center, Sept. 29. Tickets cost from 70,000 to 350,000 won. For more information, visit http://privia.hyundaicard.com/. [email protected]