Roberto Abbado to lead Korean National Symphony Orchestra as new music director

Roberto Abbado / Courtesy of Yasuko Kageyama

The Korean National Symphony Orchestra (KNSO) said Tuesday it has appointed Italian conductor Roberto Abbado as its new artistic director. His three-year contract will begin in January 2026.

A nephew of the legendary conductor Claudio Abbado (1933–2014), Roberto Abbado has served as artistic director of the Münchner Rundfunkorchester in Munich, Germany, the Verdi Festival in Parma, Italy, and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia in Valencia, Spain. He is currently the principal conductor of the Filarmonica del Teatro Comunale di Bologna in Italy.

"KNSO's musical capabilities and curiosity to explore new paths are its greatest assets," Abbado said in a statement. "I greatly look forward to the music we will create together."

Abbado previously collaborated with the KNSO in 2023 on a production of the opera "Norma" by Felice Romani (1788-1865), followed by a subscription concert in March this year featuring Verdi’s Requiem.

"His refined technique and compelling leadership, which draw out the essence of each piece with depth and clarity, left a powerful impression on Korean audiences. His appointment marks a turning point in the orchestra's continued artistic development," the KNSO said.