Myung-whun Chung Named First Asian Music Director of Milan’s La Scala
Published May 12, 2025 10:34 PM
Jason Yim
Courtesy of KBS
Renowned South Korean conductor and pianist Myung-whun Chung has been appointed the next music director of Teatro alla Scala, the iconic Milan opera house announced Monday. Chung, 72, will be the first Asian to hold the prestigious position in the institution’s history.
Chung is set to succeed current music director Riccardo Chailly at the end of 2026. His term will extend until February 2030, coinciding with the end of general manager and artistic director Fortunato Ortombina’s tenure.
La Scala praised Chung’s longstanding and influential relationship with the theater’s orchestra, choir, and philharmonic, noting that he has done more than any other non-music director to elevate the opera house’s international stature.
Since his first appearance at La Scala in 1989, Chung has conducted nine operas in 84 performances and led 141 concerts—more than any conductor who has not held the top musical post. He has also taken La Scala’s Philharmonic on international tours, including performances in Germany, China, Japan, and his native South Korea.
Chung is widely celebrated in South Korea as a cultural icon and has held prominent roles around the world. His past leadership positions include music director of the Tokyo Philharmonic, the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, and the Korean Broadcasting System Symphony Orchestra. He also served as artistic director of the Busan Opera and Concert Hall in South Korea.
With this historic appointment, Chung not only breaks new ground at one of the world’s most storied opera houses but also strengthens the cultural bridge between Europe and Asia.
Sayart / Jason Yim yimjongho1969@gmail.com
Courtesy of KBS
Renowned South Korean conductor and pianist Myung-whun Chung has been appointed the next music director of Teatro alla Scala, the iconic Milan opera house announced Monday. Chung, 72, will be the first Asian to hold the prestigious position in the institution’s history.
Chung is set to succeed current music director Riccardo Chailly at the end of 2026. His term will extend until February 2030, coinciding with the end of general manager and artistic director Fortunato Ortombina’s tenure.
La Scala praised Chung’s longstanding and influential relationship with the theater’s orchestra, choir, and philharmonic, noting that he has done more than any other non-music director to elevate the opera house’s international stature.
Since his first appearance at La Scala in 1989, Chung has conducted nine operas in 84 performances and led 141 concerts—more than any conductor who has not held the top musical post. He has also taken La Scala’s Philharmonic on international tours, including performances in Germany, China, Japan, and his native South Korea.
Chung is widely celebrated in South Korea as a cultural icon and has held prominent roles around the world. His past leadership positions include music director of the Tokyo Philharmonic, the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, and the Korean Broadcasting System Symphony Orchestra. He also served as artistic director of the Busan Opera and Concert Hall in South Korea.
With this historic appointment, Chung not only breaks new ground at one of the world’s most storied opera houses but also strengthens the cultural bridge between Europe and Asia.
