The Filarmonica della Scala delivered a spectacular performance at the Seoul Arts Center on Wednesday under the baton of incoming music director Chung Myung-whun, captivating audiences in what marked their first Korean concert together in 17 years. The evening represented a powerful testament to the shared artistic history between the renowned maestro and the legendary Italian orchestra, while simultaneously offering a glimpse into the exciting future that awaits their partnership when Chung officially begins his term in 2027.

The concert opened with Giuseppe Verdi's "La Forza del Destino" Overture, a perfectly chosen piece that showcased the orchestra's deep connection to the Italian operatic tradition that has shaped their distinctive sound for generations. From the very first notes, the performance demonstrated the remarkable chemistry between Chung and the musicians, built over an impressive 36 years of collaboration that has encompassed more than 84 opera performances and 141 concerts together.

Russian pianist Nikolai Lugansky joined the orchestra for Sergei Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, delivering a performance characterized by lyrical phrasing and refined virtuosity that found perfect harmony with the orchestra's rich, nuanced playing. Lugansky, who has earned international acclaim for his interpretations of Russian Romantic repertoire, offered an elegant encore with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "Lullaby, Op. 16 No. 1" in Rachmaninoff's arrangement, further demonstrating his mastery of the genre.

The second half of the program was devoted entirely to Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, known as the "Pathétique." Throughout the evening, the audience respectfully maintained the traditional silence between movements, showing their appreciation for classical concert etiquette. However, after the electrifying third movement "Allegro molto vivace," a spontaneous burst of applause broke the silence from a lone audience member.

In a rare and delightfully playful gesture that revealed his warm personality, Chung himself began applauding the orchestra in response to the audience member's enthusiasm, prompting an unexpected round of mid-symphony applause that felt both genuine and beautifully unplanned. This moment of spontaneous connection between conductor, musicians, and audience created an atmosphere of shared musical joy that epitomized the evening's special energy.

When the symphony's final, emotionally charged notes dissolved into silence, a long, reverent pause followed as the audience absorbed the profound impact of the performance. Chung, who holds the historic distinction of being the first Asian conductor and only the second non-Italian in La Scala's remarkable 247-year history to be named its music director, took the opportunity to express his deep affection for both La Scala and its exceptional orchestra.

"This orchestra feels like a family," Chung said to the audience before performing the evening's encores. "This is a rare orchestra that gives deep love to the music. The most important thing in music and life is love. I wanted to express my gratitude for the musicians in front of the audience." His heartfelt words reflected the profound mutual respect and artistic connection that has developed over their decades of collaboration.

The evening concluded with deep emotional resonance through two carefully chosen encores: the beloved intermezzo from Pietro Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana" and the rousing overture from Gioachino Rossini's "Guillaume Tell." These selections perfectly capped off a night that celebrated both the Italian musical tradition and the international artistic partnerships that make classical music a truly universal language.

Wednesday's triumphant Seoul performance officially launched the Filarmonica della Scala's ambitious eight-concert Asian tour. The orchestra will continue their journey with a performance in Busan on Thursday, before moving on to Japan for an extensive series of concerts. Their Japanese tour includes a performance in Sapporo on Saturday, followed by two prestigious concerts at Tokyo's renowned Suntory Hall on Monday and Wednesday, a performance at Yokohama's Mirai Hall on Tuesday, a concert at Nagoya's Aichi Art Theater on September 26, and concluding with their final performance in Osaka on September 27.