Myung-whun Chung
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2008
"For us musicians, music is not just a right, it can help improve a child’s development and education, as well as allowing them to dream."
Born in 1953, South Korean conductor Myung-whun Chung embarked on a musical career as a pianist. He made his debut at the age of seven with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. Myung-whun studied conducting at the Mannes School of Music and the Juilliard School in New York, going on to serve as Carlo Maria Giulini’s assistant with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.
After various permanent and guest conductorships with many leading European orchestras, Myung-whun has become increasingly involved in the musical world of the Far East, having co-founded the Asia Philharmonic Orchestra, of which he also serves as chief conductor. He has held the post of art director and principal conductor of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra since 2006.
As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Myung-whun has served the cause of children relentlessly. Maestro Chung was appointed in 2008, and has since made several trips with UNICEF, including to Benin and the Philippines. Every year, Myung-whun dedicates one of his most prestigious concerts to UNICEF – for example in Paris, with Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra, or in Venice, at Teatro La Fenice for the New Year’s day concert in 2019.