Interview: Soprano Jo Sumi can't travel without her washboard

Hygrometer? Check. Washboard and rubber gloves? Double check.

These are none other than essential travel items for soprano Sumi Jo. Measuring humidity levels is standard procedure for globetrotting vocalists, but it’s difficult to imagine the glamorous opera diva leaning over a hotel bathtub, soaping up laundry while humming “Caro Nome.”

During 25 years onstage, performing from city to city, the washboard seems to have been a constant companion for the South Korean singer, providing for a therapeutic ritual.

“It feels purifying, splashing around with water while singing,” says Jo, while packing in her Rome home. ”I’ve been hand washing clothes myself ever since I was a student studying in Rome, and I still do it, whether I’m in a hotel or my house.”

She also relishes washing dishes.

Bathrooms good for singing

In any case the moist bathroom air would probably be great for her skin -- and, of course, her voice.

“For singers, our bodies are our instruments so we have to be all fussy about taking care of it," says Jo. "When I board the plane I get all ready, by wearing a mask to cover my nose and mouth and make sure I get plenty of hydration.”

The first thing Jo does when she checks into a room is to take out her hygrometer and turn on the humidifier. Ever since her 1986 Trieste debut as Gilda in “Rigoletto,” her coloratura has been her weapon and maestros knelt before her “heaven-sent” vocal leaps and runs, as Herbert von Karajan famously put it.

“Looking back, it wasn’t easy being one of the few Asian women in the European classical music scene," Jo says. "But I think I was able to persevere thanks to the feisty, unrelenting spirit that is inherent to Koreans."

Kickboxing diva

The 49-year-old Jo exercises rigorously, taking up everything from kickboxing to weightlifting. Her toned arms make Madonna’s guns look meek.

Jo’s signature style, moreover, completes her magnetic stage presence. She goes full-out diva, with glittery couture galore. She is known to be a loyal devotee of the late local designer Andre Kim.

“I insisted on Mr. Kim’s creations, not only because I truly admire his beautiful designs, but because he was Korean,” she says. “I’m deeply saddened to see the passing of such a dear friend.

"I plan to continue wearing Mr. Kim’s work but I want to look for other Korean designers as well. Many Korean celebrities wear dresses by Vera Wang, but I wish they would also take pride in wearing local labels.”

After Kim passed away last year, she sought other Korean labels and appeared in a number by Seo Seung-hyeon when she graced the opening ceremony of the 2011 Asian Winter Games.

Jo is also a big fan of Vidi Vici, a cosmetics line launched by Korean makeup artist Lee Kyung-min. “I’ve been wearing stage makeup almost all my life. I tried so many brands and Vidi Vici is absolutely fantastic. I feel like many Koreans overlook local brands and I wish to set an example.”

TV exposure great for opera

Jo says she is delighted to see how opera is enjoying more exposure in mainstream culture.

“Isn’t there a reality television show where pop singers try to sing arias? It’s so wonderful,” she says about the popular cable show “Opera Star.”

The Grammy Award-winning singer herself has been taking part in pop projects. In addition to making a special appearance in the hallyu-fueled TV series “Dream High,” Jo was featured on the soundtrack for the U.S. miniseries “Mildred Pierce,” starring Kate Winslet, Guy Pearce and Rachel Evan Wood.

She sang the drama’s theme song while four other pieces, including Jo’s signature "Queen of the Night" aria appeared in the episodes.

“I didn’t get to see Kate Winslet -- I missed the New York premiere because I was giving a concert, as usual," she says. "But it is such a fun, exciting project.”

The HBO series will air on Korean cable channel Cinef in June.