Chung Myung-whun to lead KBS Symphony with focus on nurturing musicians

Chung Myung-whun, left, newly appointed music director of KBS Symphony Orchestra, speaks during a press conference at the Conrad Seoul hotel, Friday. Yonhap

Prominent conductor Chung Myung-whun is returning to his roots to lead the KBS Symphony Orchestra as its 10th music director starting in January, shifting his focus from competitive excellence to a mentorship-driven vision of supporting and nurturing musicians. His tenure will begin as the ensemble celebrates its 70th anniversary.

“When I led Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra 20 years ago, it was as if I were building a national team for the Olympics with a clear goal in mind. But I think the time for that kind of thinking has passed,” the 72-year-old maestro said during a press conference in Seoul on Friday.

“Now, my role is to love the musicians and help them grow as much as they can. I want to be someone who tells the players to perform with peace of mind.”

Chung will serve as a music director through 2028. His move is noticeable given his recent appointment as the next music director of Italy’s legendary La Scala opera house, starting in 2027. Despite his demanding international schedule, Chung said he couldn’t pass up this offer because of his personal ties to Korea.

The maestro’s connection with KBS Symphony Orchestra goes back to 1972, when he visited Korea from the U.S. where he resided, to conduct the orchestra at only 19 years old. After serving as the orchestra’s fifth chief conductor in 1998, he maintained ties with the ensemble, leading numerous regular and special programs. He was appointed its first conductor laureate in 2021.

Lee Seung-hwan, president of the orchestra, said this longstanding relationship was a key factor in choosing Chung as its music director as they sought to elevate the organization to a global standard.

Conductor Chung Myung-whun / Courtesy of KBS Symphony Orchestra

Reflecting on his career, Chung said that although he spent decades abroad and feels more comfortable speaking English, French or Italian, he never lost his sense of identity and responsibility toward his home country.

“Back then, I didn’t even speak French, and it was perhaps too early, but I worked energetically to overcome everything,” Chung said, comparing his appointment as a KBS music director to his early days at the Paris Opera in 1989.

“I don’t have that same energy, but I have experience now. It was only when I turned 60 that I felt comfortable being called maestro. Now, I feel a balance where I can offer my decades of study and experience to help the orchestra find its own voice.”

KBS Symphony Orchestra said Chung’s leadership will be an important milestone connecting the orchestra’s 70-year history to the future. For the next three years, Chung is expected to oversee the artistic operations of the organization and to establish a mid- to long-term vision.

“I am starting this role with a heart to serve and support them, and I will do my best to be helpful in every moment,” Chung said.

Chung is scheduled to conduct Mahler’s Symphonies No. 4 and No. 5 at project concerts on March 13 and Oct. 12, respectively. He is also expected to conduct a concert version of Bizet’s “Carmen” on April 18.