Maestro Chung Myung-whun, artistic director of the Busan Opera and Concert Hall, poses for photos during a press conference at Busan Concert Hall in the southeastern city of Busan on May 19, 2025. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
BUSAN, May 19 (Korea Bizwire) — Maestro Chung Myung-whun, recently appointed music director of Italy’s Teatro alla Scala, described the new role as the culmination of a long-standing relationship with the famed opera house, likening it to a marriage.
“We have maintained a lovely relationship for the past 36 years and suddenly gotten married, to put it simply” the maestro said with a laugh during a press conference in the southeastern city of Busan on Monday.
Last week, Chung became the first Asian appointed music director at the opera house in Milan, established in 1778. He will succeed Riccardo Chailly at the end of next year and will serve in the position until February 2030.
His connection with La Scala dates back to 1989. He has been a constant presence, conducting nine opera productions over 84 performances and 141 concerts — the highest number of appearances by any conductor not holding an official music director title, according to the theater.
In March 2023, he also became the La Scala Philharmonic Orchestra’s first-ever honorary conductor in recognition of his long-lasting relationship.
“Even if someone is exceptionally talented, if we don’t connect, I wouldn’t work with them,” he said, adding “The people there have been my closest friends for 36 years.”
He also recalled that their collaboration was strong from the outset: “It has been always good from the beginning … Even when I couldn’t speak the language, they understood what I wanted to express.”
Regarding being the first Asian music director, he downplayed its personal significance, having lived abroad his entire life. However, he said, “I think it is a great opportunity to bring honor to my country, and I felt the need to take the job.”
As artistic director at Classic Busan, the operator of the Busan Opera House, he expressed optimism for synergy between the Italian theater and the new Busan venue, scheduled to open in 2027.
“I believe there could be a positive effect on the opera house’s operation as it is just starting out, while La Scala demonstrates the highest standards.”
He also raised the possibility of the opera house collaborating with La Scala for its inaugural performance, citing Giuseppe Verdi’s “Otello” as an example.
Chung is set to debut as La Scala’s music director on Dec. 7 next year.
(Yonhap)
