Milan-based opera company Teatro alla Scala has announced its next Music Director as South Korean and conductor Myung-whun Chung, beginning in autumn 2026.

Chung succeeds Riccardo Chailly, who will remain in post until the latter half of 2026. His contract is set to run until 2030, at which point hi will be 77-years-old. The appointment is said to be somewhat of a surprise by some, who suggested Daniele Gatti, current Chief Conductor of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and the Staatskapelle Dresden, as the favourite to replace Chailly. 

Chung’s past principal appointments include those with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (2005–15), the Orchestre philharmonique de Radio France (2000–15), the Orchestre dell’Accademia Santa Cecilia (1997–2005), and the Opéra Bastille (1989–1994), of which he was the inaugural music director.

La Scala will announce its 2025-26 season later this month.