Hyundai Motor Group sponsors 2nd Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition

Hyundai Motor Group has joined as an official sponsor of the 2nd Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition, a contest aimed at discovering the next generation of opera stars, as part of its global arts and culture patronage.

The group announced Sunday that the competition, held at the historic Château de La Ferté-Imbault in the Loire region of central France, ran successfully from Monday through Saturday (local time).

The Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition was founded by world-renowned soprano Sumi Jo to discover emerging artists and nurture the next generation of performers. This year marked its second edition, following the inaugural competition in 2024.

The jury featured some of the most distinguished figures in classical music, with Jo serving alongside Jonathan Friend, former artistic adviser to the Metropolitan Opera in New York; Paolo Gavazzeni, casting manager at Teatro alla Scala in Milan; Melanie Almendinger, head of artistic administration at the Royal Opera House in London; Alain Lanceron, honorary chairman of Warner Classics and Erato; and tenor Marcelo Alvarez.

The competition was open to vocal students between the ages of 18 and 32, drawing more than 500 applicants from 55 countries.

Hyundai Motor Group returned as an official sponsor for the second consecutive year, supporting the growth and ambitions of emerging artists poised to lead the global classical music world.

"I created this international competition to discover and support artists with an international vision who can help make the world a better place through music," Jo said. "I am proud and grateful to have Hyundai Motor Group by my side at an international cultural event that elevates Korea's standing in the world."

This year also marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and France, lending added significance to the group's sponsorship of a competition held on French soil — one that contributed not only to nurturing the next generation of artistic talent and spreading classical culture, but also to deepening cultural exchange between the two countries.

Hyundai Motor Group set up a special exhibition space at Château de La Ferté-Imbault, drawing attention with displays of the Genesis GV70 and G80 electrified models.

Hyundai Motor, Kia's French subsidiaries and Genesis Europe also invited key local customers and figures from the arts world during the competition, offering a differentiated customer experience through the medium of culture and the arts.

In addition, the group operated the Genesis flagship sedan G90 as the official protocol vehicle, paired with a dedicated chauffeur service to ensure convenient transportation for jury members and key participants.

"It is deeply meaningful to continue sponsoring this competition, held in France in such a significant year — the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic ties," a Hyundai Motor Group official said. "We will keep up our sincere support for the arts, contribute to broadening cultural foundations and fostering global cultural exchange, and further strengthen our engagement with customers around the world."

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group is actively sponsoring arts and culture festivals in both countries this year to mark the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations.

These include the Classical Bridge International Music Festival, held in Seoul from June 4 to June 12, and the Festival d'Avignon — a performing arts festival of global renown and tradition held in and around Avignon, France — for which the group is a sponsor through July 25.