Soprano Sumi Jo received the 12th Maria Callas Special Award in Verona, Italy, on August 2.

Established in 2014 to honor legendary opera singer Maria Callas (1923–1977), the Maria Callas Special Award is presented at the annual Maria Callas International Festival in Verona to individuals who have made significant contributions to the opera and classical music world.

Past recipients include opera director Franco Zeffirelli and baritone Leo Nucci, and Sumi Jo is the first Asian to receive the award.

Sumi Jo shared her thoughts on winning, saying, "As this award bears the name of a great artist who illuminated an era, I will cherish it as a precious moment for the rest of my life."

(Photo: Provided by PRM, Yonhap News)