Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Sunwoo Park’s remarkable journey to the international opera stage demonstrates her passion, talent, and versatility. Starting her musical journey at a tender age of six, Park displayed prodigious aptitude for singing and piano. Her winning streak in local vocal competitions early in life indicated an exceptional path ahead.
Park’s international exposure commenced during her elementary school years in Japan at the International School of Sacred Heart. It was here that she honed her English language skills and cultivated an appreciation for multicultural interaction. Performing as Korea’s representative during the school festival “One World Day” sparked Park’s aspiration for a global presence, a dream that became a stepping-stone for her later endeavors.
Further showcasing her versatility, Park lent her voice to a Nikon Camera commercial in 2002 and recorded a title song for the Japanese animation movie “Tachiko Ma” in 2003, introducing her to the world of studio recording.
Her scholastic and musical journey continued to prosper, with Park securing top honors and awards throughout her time at the esteemed Yewon School and Seoul Arts High School. The string of accolades culminated in her graduation cum laude from Seoul National University, where she had been recognized with the Eminence Scholarship.
Upon graduation, Park pursued a Master’s Degree at the University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music, marking a significant shift in her career trajectory. She began making strides in her career, with invitations pouring in from renowned U.S. opera companies like the Opera Santa Barbara, Santa Fe Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, and Lyric Opera of Chicago. However, the global pandemic in 2020 led to the unfortunate cancellation of her debut main role with Santa Fe Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Undeterred by the pandemic-induced break, Park resumed her ascent, earning main roles with Wolf Trap Opera and Opera Santa Barbara. It was during this time that she leveraged her studio recording skills from her childhood in Japan, notably in her role as Mabel in the Pirates of Penzance. Her proficiency in handling the microphone added another unique dimension to her opera singing, demonstrating her artistic range and adaptability.
Perhaps most remarkable is Park’s idiosyncratic stage persona, an enchanting blend of charm and humor that sets her apart. Whether it’s Santa Fe Opera or Wolf Trap Opera, critics lauded her performances as “hilariously offended” and “comic relief,” cementing her position in the opera industry.
Not one to be pigeonholed, Park thrives in roles that are bright, charming, and comic. Her performances are characterized by the joy and positive energy she exudes, a testament to her belief in the transformative power of music and performance. “What I like about me being on a stage,” she says, “is that I make people happy by making them laugh with my acting and unique voice color.” In her aspiration to be remembered as a singer who shares the joy of performance, Sunwoo Park is crafting an opera legacy that resonates far beyond the stage.
