The South Korean conductor Myung-Whun Chung will become the next Music Director of Teatro alla Scala, taking over from Riccardo Chailly when his contract concludes at the end of 2026. The opera house’s board of directors approved the appointment unanimously, following a proposal by superintendent Fortunato Ortombina. Chung’s term will begin in 2027 and run through 2030.
Over the decades, Chung has developed a close artistic relationship with the Orchestra, Chorus, and Filarmonica della Scala, which named him Honorary Conductor in 2023—the first to hold that title. Since his debut with the company in 1989, he has conducted nine operatic titles across 84 performances, in addition to 141 concerts. According to La Scala, this makes him the conductor with the most appearances at the theatre aside from those who have served as music directors. He has also held prominent posts at the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, and pursued cultural diplomacy initiatives, including visits to North Korea.
Chung is also a pianist and has earned wide recognition for his interpretations of both symphonic and operatic repertoire. At La Scala, he has led a diverse range of works, including Shostakovich’s Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District (1992), Strauss’s Salome (1995), Puccini’s Madama Butterfly (2007), Mozart’s Idomeneo (2009), Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra (2016 and 2018), Verdi’s Don Carlo (2017), Weber’s Der Freischütz (2017), Beethoven’s Fidelio (2018), and Verdi’s La traviata (2019).
As noted by La Repubblica, Ortombina’s nomination of Chung was supported unanimously by the board during a meeting on May 12. Italy’s Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli told the press: “La Scala has the total right and autonomy of choice; I do not intervene on this.”
Beppe Sala, Mayor of Milan and president of La Scala’s board, also expressed support, stating: “The superintendent proposed this name, which is his right and duty. He explained the reasons for his choice. The board unanimously backed it.” Sala added that announcing the decision well in advance was strategic: “We believe it’s the right thing to decide a year and a half ahead, because opera seasons require long preparation times.” [La Repubblica]
The final season under Riccardo Chailly, who has served as music director since 2015, will take place in 2026. Preparations for Chung’s inaugural season are expected to begin soon.
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