Overview

• La Scala announced Myung-whun Chung as its next music director, the first Asian to hold the position since the opera house's founding in 1778.
• Chung will succeed Riccardo Chailly at the end of 2026 and serve until February 2030, aligning with the term of general manager Fortunato Ortombina.
• The 72-year-old conductor has a long-standing connection with La Scala, having led nine operas and 141 concerts since 1989, more than any non-director conductor.
• Chung has conducted La Scala’s Philharmonic on international tours in Germany, China, Japan, and South Korea, boosting its global reputation.
• A renowned pianist and cultural figure in South Korea, Chung previously held leadership roles with the Tokyo Philharmonic, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, and Korean Broadcasting System.