Kahchun Wong

Kahchun Wong is Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the Hallé and Chief Conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, recognised for his work in the Austro-German symphonic tradition and an artistic voice shaped by East–West dialogue.

Since winning the Mahler Competition in 2016, he has established a profile in the composer’s symphonies. His BBC Proms debut in 2025, conducting the Second Symphony with the Hallé, was described by The Times as worthy of “six stars”. This season, he marks the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra’s 70th anniversary with the Eighth Symphony at Suntory Hall, and earlier in 2026 stepped in for Daniele Gatti with the Hong Kong Philharmonic for the Seventh Symphony.

Born in Singapore, where cultures meet and continually redefine themselves, Wong brings a keen awareness of plurality to his work, conducting and curating programmes that shape East–West dialogue through premieres of works by Tan Dun, Toshio Hosokawa and Unsuk Chin with the New York Philharmonic, BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Hallé. His reimagining of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition as a sinfonia concertante for Chinese instruments will be released on the Hallé label.

Last season included tours with the Cleveland Orchestra, the Hallé and the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra. Forthcoming engagements include debuts with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Frankfurt Radio Symphony and Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, alongside return appearances with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

His discography with the Hallé includes Britten’s Prince of the Pagodas (2025 Limelight Recording of the Year), Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony, described by Gramophone as “a must-hear for all Brucknerians”, and Mahler’s Second Symphony.