MILAN – The historic Teatro alla Scala opera house in Milan has announced the appointment of South Korean maestro Myung-whun Chung as its new musical director, marking a significant milestone as he becomes the first Asian individual to take on this prestigious role.
Chun’s tenure will commence at the end of the following year, succeeding Riccardo Chailly. His term will continue until February 2030, aligning with the conclusion of general manager and artistic director Fortunato Ortombina’s leadership period, according to a statement from La Scala.
At 72, Chung is celebrated not only for his extensive experience as a conductor but also as a gifted pianist. His career is marked by collaborations with some of the most distinguished orchestras worldwide, and he is a notable cultural icon in his native South Korea.
La Scala highlighted the strong and fruitful relationship Chung has maintained over the years with its orchestra, choir, and philharmonic. His efforts have substantially contributed to elevating La Scala’s reputation on the international stage, surpassing that of any other non-musical director in enhancing the opera house’s global profile.
Since beginning his association with La Scala in 1989, Chung has an impressive track record of having conducted nine operas across 84 performances, in addition to leading 141 concerts, the highest number for any conductor who has not held the position of musical director. His collaborations include leading the La Scala Philharmonic on several tours in Italy and internationally, with performances in countries like Germany, China, Japan, and South Korea.
Throughout his illustrious career, Chung has held notable positions, including, music director of the Tokyo Philharmonic, the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France in Paris, and the Korean Broadcasting System, along with serving as the artistic director of the Busan Opera and Concert Hall in South Korea.
With his new position at La Scala, Chung is expected to bring his wealth of experience and innovative vision to further enhance the opera house’s storied legacy, continuing to attract attention from music enthusiasts and opera lovers worldwide.