By arts editor HELEN MUSA

In a stunning coup for Canberra’s Snow Concert Hall, artistic director Ana de la Vega has announced that superstar Korean soprano Sumi Jo will headline the venue’s fifth International Series in 2027.

The announcement was made on Friday evening at the launch of the season, held before the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s concert in the hall.

As expected, the series will be packed with classical favourites, including works by Mozart, Beethoven and Vivaldi, while also offering audiences fresh perspectives through chamber music, the harp and a spectacular operatic finale.

The season opens with pianist Paul Lewis joining Australia’s Orava Quartet for performances of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, the “Emperor”, and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23.

Violin luminary Ray Chen will make his Snow Concert Hall debut, performing Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons alongside Astor Piazzolla’s tango-inspired Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.

British violist Lawrence Power will reunite with long-time collaborator, pianist Simon Crawford-Phillips, for a program of Romantic and 20th century chamber works, then French harp virtuoso Xavier de Maistre will reveal his artistry in music by Debussy and Fauré.

The series continues with Wigmore Hall London artist in residence Francesca Dego, joined by Australian pianist Andrea Lam for a program featuring Beethoven’s Kreutzer Sonata and Ravel’s Tzigane.

“I am once again blown away by the calibre of artists bringing their incredible skill and artistry to Canberra,” de la Vega said. “This hall is one of the best in the country in terms of its acoustics and technology, and I’m thrilled that we can do it justice with another year of rich and diverse classical programming.”

The season concludes with an operatic gala featuring music by Mozart, Rossini and Strauss, performed by Sumi Jo, one of the world’s most idolised coloratura sopranos.

Last seen here for Voices in the Forest in 2016, at the time she told CityNews, “If you met me on the street  I don’t think you’d recognise me, I wear a baseball hat – that’s me, that’s Sumi… but on stage I’m a diva, I’m a prima donna, I feel like a queen.”

Snow Concert Hall 2027 season, all details here.

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