In just two editions, the biennial Sumi Jo International Singing Competition has carved out a unique place in the European musical landscape. Nestled in a fairy-tale Loire Valley castle, it offers young singers an unmatched immersive experience. The Sumi Jo International Singing Competition is a biennial opera contest that, in just two editions, has established a distinctive presence in the European classical music scene. Set in a Loire Valley château—a fairytale backdrop featuring moats, swans, and an expansive park—the event offers young vocalists an experience unlike any other competition worldwide.

For the 2026 edition, over 500 applications poured in from 55 countries, including Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Iceland, South Korea, China, the United States, and Australia. This remarkable diversity underlines the competition's growing prestige in the opera world. For a week, contestants enjoy extraordinary hospitality: hosted in magnificent estates by local families, chauffeured in premium Hyundai vehicles, performing in evening concerts, and mingling with audiences during intermission receptions. This warm, benevolent atmosphere offers a striking contrast to the intense pressure typical of vocal competitions.

The competition's strength also lies in its distinguished jury, featuring influential leaders from La Scala Milan, the Royal Opera House London, Houston Grand Opera, Warner Classics, and renowned tenor Marcelo Álvarez. For emerging singers, auditioning before key decision-makers offers immense career momentum. Coupled with a €50,000 first prize—among the highest worldwide—and an international tour alongside Sumi Jo, the competition serves as a career-launching platform. Following a successful 2024 tour across China and Korea, culminating in a sold-out finale in Seoul, the 2026 laureates will again join Sumi Jo on stage internationally.

On August 13, we conducted a phone interview with Olivier O. Medinger, co-founder of the competition and jury president, who shared the event's founding spirit, artistic philosophy, and highlights of the 2026 edition.

1. As co-founder and jury president, how would you describe the central mission and artistic philosophy of the Sumi Jo International Singing Competition?
Olivier O. Medinger: “The purpose of this competition is to support young opera singers in building visibility, securing contracts, performing in major opera houses, and connecting with agents who can guide their careers. The entire project is dedicated to helping young vocalists.

It rests on the concept of transmission. Sumi Jo has enjoyed a wonderful career and wishes to dedicate her time to giving back. Remembering the challenges of starting out and competing, she wanted to create a supportive platform. As co-founder, we share these core values: providing an international platform at the highest level to offer young singers the best possible opportunities.”
2. What motivated the creation of this competition, and how did your collaboration with Dr. Sumi Jo begin?
Olivier O. Medinger: “The competition was born from a 25-year friendship. Sumi and I met in the late 1990s and became very close. Before knowing her personally, I was a dedicated admirer of her talent, attending her concerts and opera performances regularly.

Over time, she expressed a desire to launch a singing competition. Given her remarkable career, she wanted to share her success generously—much like her advocacy for animal welfare. Together with my husband, Geoffroy Medinger, whose company Medinger Events produces the competition, we developed the concept. When she visited and performed at the château, she immediately identified it as the ideal location for the competition.”
3. In your view, what sets this competition apart from other international vocal contests?
Olivier O. Medinger: “Several key elements distinguish our competition:

• Distinguished Jury: Our panel includes top industry leaders with real casting power—the Artistic Coordinator of La Scala Milan, the Artistic Administrator of the Royal Opera House London, the Casting Consultant for Houston Grand Opera (former Met Coordinator), Warner Classics President Emeritus Alain Lanceron, and legendary tenor Marcelo Álvarez.
• Benignity & VIP Experience: Contestants frequently note how unique the supportive environment feels. Hosted in pairs across beautiful local estates, they enjoy dedicated premium transport with drivers provided by main sponsor Hyundai, and open interaction with jury members.
• Unique Setting & Immersive Week: Set in a historic Loire Valley castle surrounded by moats and parkland, singers experience a week combining architectural beauty, music, nightly concerts, and warm cultural exchange.
• Exceptional Prizes & Tour: Featuring a €50,000 first prize, €20,000 second prize, and €10,000 third prize, laureates also earn the opportunity to embark on an international concert tour alongside Sumi Jo.”
Sumi Jo International Singing Competition Participants
© 2026 Sumi Jo International Singing Competition
4. What principal criteria do you look for in a candidate?
Olivier O. Medinger: “We look for outstanding vocal quality, solid technique, musical intelligence, and deep emotional expression. We seek singer-actors capable of conveying nuanced emotions—sorrow, joy, passion—on stage.

Beyond vocal excellence, we search for exceptional personality and 'star quality'—singers who feel confident on stage, communicate effectively with the public and press, and represent the competition as international ambassadors. Out of over 500 applicants, the 24 selected candidates demonstrated an exceptionally high artistic standard.”
5. What role does this competition play in supporting emerging artists?
Olivier O. Medinger: “The competition offers concrete support through substantial financial prizes (€50,000 for first place, €20,000 for second, and €10,000 for third). Throughout the week, contestants perform directly before key artistic leaders who can hire them for future opera seasons. The receptions and informal gatherings allow singers to build essential professional networks in a welcoming environment.”
6. Could you share a memorable moment or performance from the competition?
Olivier O. Medinger: “In 2024, Chinese baritone Zihao Li gave an extraordinary, commanding performance of an aria from The Ghosts of Versailles, earning unanimous first prize from the jury.

In 2026, American baritone Trevor Haumschilt-Rocha had a remarkable journey. Initially unselected, he was called up following a withdrawal, and later advanced through the 'petite finale'—where the audience and jury president can each save a semifinalist. After his impressive performance, I used my presidential save to bring him to the final round. His rendition of Rodrigue's aria from Verdi's Don Carlo during the finale was magnificent, securing him the first prize.

It was also deeply moving to welcome back 2024 laureates for a concert series in 2026 and witness their career advancement—such as Lina Tsiklauri preparing her first La Traviata in Switzerland and George Virban performing Lensky, Tamino, and Romeo internationally.”
7. How do you envision the future of the Sumi Jo International Singing Competition?
Olivier O. Medinger: “We are beginning preparations for the 2028 edition with expanded production ambitions. We plan to secure additional sponsorships alongside valued partners Hyundai Motor Group and the Korean Cultural Center. We were honored by the attendance of the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea during this 2026 edition, which coincides with the 140th anniversary of France-Korea diplomatic relations and the 40th anniversary of Sumi Jo's international career. Looking ahead, we may expand prize categories to solidify our position among the world's premiere vocal competitions.”
8. What message would you like to share with young singers worldwide?
Olivier O. Medinger: “I encourage young vocalists to refine their technical mastery, repertoire, and stage presence. We look for ambitious singers ready to perform on the world's leading stages. This competition can transform professional trajectories; previous winners have told us how much it accelerated their careers. Believe in your voice and your potential—the competition is open to singers worldwide aged 18 to 32.”

2026 Competition Laureates

  • 1st Prize: Trevor Haumschilt-Rocha (USA)
  • 2nd Prize: Seungho Yoo (South Korea)
  • 3rd Prize: Paula Iancic (Romania)
  • Special Jury Prize (Hyundai Motor Group): Evelina Liubonko (Ukraine)
  • Special Jury Prize (Hyundai Motor Group): Fei Sun (China)