We need maestro Chung: SPO members

Members of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra on Tuesday voiced their unflinching support for conductor Chung Myung-whun in an apparent plea to retain him as their music director.

The rare collective action came only a few days after Chung revealed his intention not to renew his contract with the Korean orchestra, which expires at the end of this year.

Conductor Chung Myung-whun (Credia)

“We, the members of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, believe in maestro Chung Myung-whun and his abilities to further develop the artistic reputation of the orchestra to its most optimum level,” said SPO members association president Park Mu-il at a news conference. 

“Over the past 10 years, the maestro and the members of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra have had wonderfully successful performances. This was only made possible by the efforts of maestro Chung.“ 

Park went on to state that in order for the SPO to enact higher musical standards and further increase the orchestra’s recognition on an international level, having Chung as an experienced and veteran conductor is essential.

Members of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra hold a press conference at the Sejong Arts Center in Seoul on Tuesday to publicly announced their desires to have long-time SPO Maestro Chung Myung-whun remain with the orchestra despite all past controversies. (Yonhap News)

He additionally proclaimed that he was speaking on behalf of all the members of the SPO and directly represented the collective opinion of the orchestra. Park refused, however, to take questions from reporters during the press conference.

On Friday, Chung said in an interview with a local daily that he would end his 10-year relation with the orchestra as its music director, but would honor his conducting commitments next year. Chung, a towering cultural figure in Korea, has faced persistent controversies regarding his purportedly high salary and accusations that he has privatized the city-affiliated orchestra. 

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)