Leading conductor Chung Myung-whun is the newest musical director of the renowned Italian opera house La Scala (Teatro alla Scala) of Milan. (La Scala's official Facebook page)

By Kang Gahui

Leading conductor Chung Myung-whun has been appointed musical director of the world-renowned Italian opera house La Scala (Teatro alla Scala) of Milan to serve from 2027-30.

The opera house on May 12 said on its official website that Chung will succeed Riccardo Chailly as music director after the latter's contract expires at the end of 2026.

Established in 1778, the theater is considered a dream stage for vocalists worldwide. Chung will be La Scala's first Asian musical director in the theater's 247-year history.

The opera house added, "He is also one of the most beloved artists among the Milanese public, as evidenced by the enthusiastic response to the concerts held on March 17, 19 and 21, and is the conductor who has most contributed to the international prestige of the Teatro alla Scala, excluding its Music Directors."

Starting out as a pianist, Chung in 1974 drew global attention after finishing as one of the two runners-up at the International Tchaikovsky Competition of Russia, one of the world's top three music contests. In 1978, he launched a conducting career through his appointment as associate conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

In the 1980s, Chung served as chief conductor of the German orchestra Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Saarbrucken Kaiserslautern and musical director of the Paris Bastille Opera (now Paris National Opera).

His ties with La Scala began in 1989, with Chung steadily participating in seasonal works and international tours. He has led nine operas, conducting 84 performances and 141 concerts.

kgh89@korea.kr