Myung-Whun Chung

Myung-Whun Chung is one of the leading conductors of his generation. Also a prize-winning pianist, he is particularly noted for his interpretations of the music of French composer Olivier Messiaen. 

After studying piano and conducting at the Mannes and Juilliard schools in New York City, Chung competed in several piano competitions and embarked on his conducting career as the assistant conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.  He has since conducted orchestras and opera companies across the world. 

Chung is known for championing causes with his work. In the early 1980s, he began work to present series of “environmental concerts” to promote issues of sustainability. He is also a vocal against drugs, and was named Ambassador of the UN Drug Control Program in 1992. Chung also seeks a closer relationship between the two sides of his divided country — Korea.