Chung to head Lotte's youth orchestra

Chung Myung-whun / Korea Times file

By Kim Jae-heun

Former Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) music director Chung Myung-whun will return to Korea and head the Youth Orchestra of Lotte Foundation for Arts (LFA) as musical director.

The LFA announced Sunday that Chung will become the first music director to conduct the team of talented young musicians in their teen years and 20s.

“We planned to establish a youth orchestra that produces promising musicians from the beginning of our foundation,” the LFA official said in an interview with local press. “And we’ve decided Chung is the right man.”

The LFA added that they are aware of the controversies surrounding Chung, who was in a legal battle with Park Hyun-jung, former CEO of the SPO, last year.

However, the foundation said it could not find an alternative to Chung as his musical talent is world class and only he could build the solid base as well as establish the reputation of the team.

The LFA was established in October 2015 and owns a concert hall exclusively for classical music in Songpa-gu, eastern Seoul.

The foundation is currently holding an audition for young musicians and after holding the inauguration ceremony this year, it plans to open the very first concert next year.

Lotte Group’s chairman Shin Dong-bin is the chief director of the foundation as he contributed 10 billion won from his private fortune. The foundation began with 20 billion won.

Chung and the LFA are known to have signed a one-year contract, but they are reportedly taking the project as a long-term business with each other.

Chung told reporters he will contribute to nurturing young prospects in the Korean orchestra scene and developing the local classical music industry.

Chung was called to the prosecution for questioning over rumors alleging his unlawful use of orchestra asset for personal expenses. He was also suspected of tax evasion through donating money to his own foundation.

He became the maestro of the SPO in January 2006 and achieved recognition for transforming the Korean orchestra to a world-class level and gaining global recognition. He also expanded the orchestra’s repertoire to draw more and diverse audiences to his concerts. Chung resigned from the post when he was embroiled in controversy at the end of 2015.

The ex-CEO of SPO Park quit after 10 employees at the orchestra filed a complaint with police against Park for allegedly committing sexual and verbal harassment.

However, the police concluded that Chung’s wife, only identified by her surname Koo, is suspected of ordering the former maestro’s secretary to spread the rumor.

Park filed a petition with the prosecution, seeking investigation into Chung over libel charges.

Chung also filed a counterclaim against Park on charges of defamation and false accusation.

The Seoul District Prosecutors’ Office on Friday dismissed charges against Chung, including embezzlement and violation of his duties, after a 10-month investigation.