Scala's Chung appointed as the music director through 2030
After much anticipation, it has been announced that Myung-Whun Chung will take over as the new musical director of La Scala, effective from 2026 when Riccardo Chailly's contract expires. This appointment marks a significant milestone for the esteemed Italian opera house, as Chung becomes the first maestro to hold the honorary conductor role.
The appointment was proposed by Theater superintendent Fortunato Ortombina during a meeting of the board of directors and was unanimously accepted. The decision follows appropriate context checks within the Theater since Chung's inauguration last February.
Chung has distinguished himself at La Scala with a broad repertoire, conducting operas by various composers including Dmitrij Šostakovič, Richard Strauss, Giacomo Puccini, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Giuseppe Verdi, Carl Maria von Weber, and Ludwig van Beethoven. His performances have earned him the admiration of the Milanese public, as demonstrated by the success of his recent concerts.
Before Riccardo Chailly's contract ends in 2026, Kirill Petrenko was considered as a potential successor for the music director position at La Scala. However, Chung's extensive experience and popular appeal ultimately secured him the role.
Chung has held various prestigious positions, including the first principal guest conductor of the Staatskapelle of Dresden, honorary musical director of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France in Paris, and the KBS (Korean Broadcasting System). He has also led the Filarmonica della Scala on international tours, including a performance of Simon Boccanegra by Verdi at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow in 2016.
The 2025/2026 season program has been submitted to the Foundation's Board of Directors by Ortombina and includes 13 opera titles, 7 ballet titles, and an intense concert and event schedule. The total number of performances in the 2026 calendar year is 250.
Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli stated that the Teatro alla Scala has the full right and autonomy to choose its musical director. The calendar will be presented to the media and subscribers at a press conference on May 26.
In addition to his role at La Scala, Chung has recently been appointed as Artistic Director of the new Busan Opera and Concert Hall in South Korea. This new venture promises to further cement Chung's position as one of the most beloved artists in the world of classical music.
Chung will lead La Scala until 2030, a period that promises to be filled with exciting and innovative performances. His tenure is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the historic opera house, while maintaining the high standards of excellence that La Scala is known for.
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