Maestro move: Osmo goes to no-go orchestra

For the past five years, the Seoul Philharmonic has been a disaster zone with various managers at war with each other, the music director Myung Whun Chung making a public resignation and some staff members attempting suicide. All has been reported in Slipped Disc. Just search Seoul.

This morning the orchestra announced a new music director.

It’s Osmo Vänskä, the Finn who has spent the past 16 years as music director in Minnesota. Osmo, 66, intends to step down in 2022 but will continue to reside with his concertmaster wife in Minneapolis.

Seoul Philharmonic has has another change of management.

Annette Kang, its President and CEO says: ‘It is such a thrill to announce the appointment of Osmo Vänskä as our next Music Director. His relationship with the orchestra has produced some of the most electrifying concerts we’ve heard these last few years. It is clear that his music making with our musicians is grounded in deep mutual respect and admiration. The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra has incredible artistic energy and creativity, and I have no doubt that Osmo is the ideal leader to continue that momentum and move us into the next era. On behalf of our Board of Directors, musicians, and staff, I greatly look forward to welcoming him to our Philharmonic family. We know he will bring profound inspiration and warmth to our community.’

Osmo says: ‘It is a great pleasure to partner with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra in this new leadership role. I look forward to working with the musicians and orchestra administration to create interesting programmes and inspiring concerts for the enthusiastic audiences of Seoul.’