Sumi Jo, one of the most beloved classical singers in Korea, has just released a new album with Deutsche Grammophon, “Only Bach.”

The Grammy-winning soprano sings cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach and nothing else on her latest album, including well-known pieces like “Jesus bleibet meine Freude (Jesus, Joy of Man’s Desiring)” and “Ave Maria.”

Bach cantatas are usually sung with a small orchestra, but Jo sings accompanied by only a guitar and a violin, adding a fresh appeal to the beloved songs.

It marks Jo’s fourth album with Deutsche Grammophon. Her previous albums with the label ― “Missing You” (2008), “Ich liebe dich” (2010), “Libera” (2011) ― all won “multi-platinum” certifications.

Her relationship with the label dates back to 1989, when it recorded Verdi’s opera “Un Ballo In Maschera (A Masked Ball)” sung by Jo opposite tenor Placido Domingo and directed by late maestro Herbert von Karajan.

Famous for her interpretations of bel canto repertoires, Jo is now a globe-trotting concert singer and opera singer.

She is currently on a five-city tour of Korea performing in the “Voice of Spring” concerts.

In the spring-themed concerts, Jo sings two Bach arias as part of her project to sing art songs from seven countries, including Korea, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, in their native languages.

She will perform at Seoul Arts Center on April 20.

By Lee Sun-young  (milaya@heraldcorp.com)