Chung to sit out 'Valkyrie' concert
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Chung Myung-whun
By Kwon Ji-youn
Chung Myung-whun will not conduct the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra’s (SPO) “Valkyrie” concert set for May 20.
The SPO said Wednesday the music director’s cervical disc condition has rendered him unable to conduct a performance four hours in length. German conductor Constantin Trinks will helm the performance instead.
“I’m sorry I will not be able to conduct the upcoming concert,” Chung said. “But I’m sure Trinks, who has plenty of experience conducting Wagner, and the SPO will do a great job.”
This is not the first time heath concerns have impacted Chung’s concert scheduled. In February, he cancelled the “Filarmonica della Scala” tour and three “Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France” performances with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra because of pain in his neck and back.
At the time, Chung’s doctor had advised he take at least three months of rest, but with treatment and exercise, he has been able to conduct performances that are less than two hours long, the SPO said. He conducted the SPO on April 28, and the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia from Saturday through Tuesday.
But Richard Wagner’s “Valkyrie” is a three-act opera, which makes the concert version four hours long. Chung’s doctor stressed he has not recovered enough for such a taxing performance, the SPO said.
Wagner’s “Valkyrie” (Die Walkure) is based on the Norse mythology’s female figure Valkyrie, who decides which soldiers die in battle and which live.
There will be no changes in the program or guest lineup. The SPO will refund tickets until 5 p.m. on May 19. For more information, call 1588-1210.