“After 10 years at its helm, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra’s maestro Chung Myung-whun has decided to lay down his baton,” writes Julie Jackson in last Tuesday’s (12/29) Korea Herald (Seoul). “Citing the ongoing public disputes plaguing the controversy-filled SPO and the continued legal battles regarding the alleged mistreatment of employees by its former CEO Park Hyun-jung, conductor Chung officially resigned as the music director…. The news came just one day after the SPO board members postponed making a decision on renewing Chung’s contract as the SPO music director to mid-January…. Chung had previously announced in August he intended to part ways with the SPO following the expiration of his contract … at the end of this year … [but] would stay at the helm of the orchestra for all its scheduled concerts for next year…. However, with his resignation Tuesday, Chung has canceled all of his appearances with the SPO for the 2016 season.” Chung’s final concert with the SPO was scheduled to take place on December 30.
Posted January 5, 2016
