KBS Symphony Orchestra appoints Myung-whun Chung as its tenth Music Director

With an initial contract set from 2026 until 2030 – when the conductor will be 77 – the appointment represents the culmination of a relationship lasting more than three decades. 

The honours system recognises people who have made achievements in public life and committed themselves to serving and helping Britain.

The 26th anniversary of the awards proved to be a triumphant year for Scottish and Japanese dance in particular.

The role of Generalmusikdirektor includes leading both the Bayerische Staatsoper and the Staatsorchester.

The Russian-Finnish conductor will take up his new Principal Conductor post in Helsinki from August 2026.

The appointment follows a growing relationship between the Ossetian conductor and the Geneva-based orchestra that began in 2024.