Conductor Chung Myung-whun likens La Scala appointment to marrying his ‘closest friend’
Chung Myung-whun, opera house’s first Asian music director, has been conducting there since 1989. He hopes to honour South Korea in the job
When Milan’s Teatro alla Scala, known as the pinnacle of Italian opera, announced conductor Chung Myung-whun, 72, as its next music director, global attention quickly turned to the fact that he would become the first Asian to hold the position. But for the South Korean, the title of La Scala music director carried little personal weight.
“I don’t think it’s significant just because I’m the first Asian,” Chung said. “But it’s certainly a meaningful opportunity to honour my country, and something I felt I had to do.”
Chung’s ties to La Scala date back to 1989. Since then, he has conducted 84 operas and 141 concerts at the theatre and, in 2023, became the first conductor in La Scala Philharmonic’s history to be named honorary conductor.
His upcoming tenure as music director runs from 2027 to 2030, following Riccardo Chailly.
“La Scala has been my closest friend for 36 years. Now, it feels like we’ve gone beyond friendship – it’s like we’ve got married,” Chung said with a smile. “There’s a deeper sense of responsibility now.”
Once a tireless force who “could work 24 hours a day”, Chung admitted he now turns down most invitations from major orchestras. “La Scala is the one place I couldn’t say no to,” he added.
What I seek in music is a message of love, understanding, and truthChung Myung-whun, conductor
La Scala, founded in 1778, is a global symbol of operatic tradition. The theatre hosted the premieres of operas like Verdi’s Nabucco and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, and was led by legends including Arturo Toscanini, Claudio Abbado, Riccardo Muti and Daniel Barenboim.
As music director, Chung will have artistic authority over repertoire and musician selection. Chung said his appointment was supported strongly by the orchestra and La Scala’s leadership, even as some political figures reportedly preferred an Italian candidate.
The appointment of Fortunato Ortombina as La Scala’s general manager in February also played a role. Chung had collaborated extensively with Ortombina during his 17-year leadership at Venice’s Teatro La Fenice.
Chung’s current plans for his La Scala debut include conducting Verdi’s Otello for the 2026 season opener – a nod to his long collaboration with Ortombina and their shared affinity for Verdi.
Asked to name the most meaningful production he had led at La Scala, he once again pointed to the composer.
“What I seek in music is a message of love, understanding, and truth,” Chung said. “People think Falstaff was Verdi’s final masterpiece, but his greatest legacy may be the retirement home he founded for musicians in Milan. He was not just a genius – he was an exceptional human being.”
Chung noted that his dream now is simple: to be helpful. “I want to support La Scala’s musicians as much as I can.”
Alongside his upcoming role at La Scala, Chung will continue to serve as artistic director of Classic Busan in South Korea, overseeing both the Busan Concert Hall and the new Busan Opera House, set to open in 2027.
He emphasised the different roles he plays in the two cities: La Scala is where musical excellence is harvested; Busan is where the seeds are planted.
“In Busan, it’s not about perfection – it’s about nurturing an audience that becomes curious about opera,” Chung said. “Planting good seeds, watering them, and feeding them – that’s the conductor’s responsibility.”
Finally, Chung expressed hope that music could help heal divisions in Korean society.
“I wish people in our country could be a little less sharp,” he said. “You can’t fight when you’re singing together. I hope we all sing a bit more.”
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
Read the original story at The Korea Times.
