Hyundai Worldwide Global Navigation
Heritage Hyundai Motor Group Continues Arts and Culture Support With Sumi Jo International Singing Competition
Please use Safari to download the files.
Heritage Hyundai Motor Group Continues Arts and Culture Support With Sumi Jo International Singing Competition
Heritage Hyundai Motor Group Continues Arts and Culture Support With Sumi Jo International Singing Competition
Heritage Hyundai Motor Group Continues Arts and Culture Support With Sumi Jo International Singing Competition
Heritage Hyundai Motor Group Continues Arts and Culture Support With Sumi Jo International Singing Competition
Heritage Hyundai Motor Group Continues Arts and Culture Support With Sumi Jo International Singing Competition
Heritage Hyundai Motor Group Continues Arts and Culture Support With Sumi Jo International Singing Competition
Hyundai Motor Group Continues Arts and Culture Support With Sumi Jo International Singing Competition
SEOUL, July 12, 2026 – Hyundai Motor Group (The Group) continued its support for global arts and culture by officially sponsoring the second Sumi Jo International Singing Competition. The event, aimed at discovering the next generation of opera stars, took place from July 6 to 11 at the historic Château de La Ferté-Imbault in the Loire Valley, France.
Founded by world-renowned soprano Sumi Jo in 2024, the competition aims to discover and nurture emerging vocal artists aged 18-32. This year’s edition attracted greater global interest in the classical music world, drawing over 500 aspiring singers from 55 countries.
The Group participated as the official sponsor for the second edition, continuing its support from the inaugural competition. As 2026 marks the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations, the Group’s sponsorship contributed to nurturing artistic talent and promoting classical music culture while advancing cultural exchange between the two nations. It also reinforced the Group's commitment to supporting arts and culture, while deepening communication with customers worldwide.
"We hosted this international competition to discover and support artists with a global vision to make the world a better place through music. I am proud and grateful to join hands with Hyundai Motor Group. We hope this collaborative relationship will continue for many years to come." – Sumi Jo, soprano and founder of Sumi Jo International Singing Competition
The jury for this year’s edition was composed of leading figures from the classical music world, providing a vital link between the next generation of vocalists and the established music community. Esteemed judges included Sumi Jo; Olivier O. Medinger, jury president and owner of Château de La Ferté-Imbault; Jonathan Friend, artistic advisor to the Houston Grand Opera; Paolo Gavazzeni, casting manager for La Scala; Alain Lanceron, Chairman Emeritus of Warner Classics and Erato; Melanie Allmendinger, artistic administrator at Royal Opera House; and tenor Marcelo Álvarez.
To provide a premium brand experience, the Group offered on-site programs that connected Genesis with the global arts and culture community.
Genesis recently announced its plan to expand into Austria, Denmark, Portugal and Poland by 2027, bringing its total European footprint to 11 markets. The premium automotive brand aims to have more than 50 sales locations operational across Europe by 2027. In France, Genesis made its entry in February and operates dedicated retailers in Paris and Lille.
Genesis Magma Racing, the brand's motorsport team, achieved a significant milestone in June by successfully completing the 24 Hours of Le Mans in its hypercar class debut. As the first South Korean auto brand to compete in the legendary endurance race, Genesis demonstrated the technical capability and teamwork required at motorsport's highest level.
Danny Joo
kyungdon@hyundai.com
Global PR Strategy & Planning · Hyundai Motor Company
Disclaimer: Hyundai Motor Group believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader.
About Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel, and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT, and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group’s mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all.
More information about Hyundai Motor Group can be found at: http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai, Kia Global Newsroom, Genesis Newsroom
