On June 1, 2022, on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the Italian Republic, Maestro Myung-Whun Chung, was named Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy (Ufficiale dell'Ordine al Merito della Repubbulica Italiana) by President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella. The ceremony was held subsequently to a performance of Orchestra of the Teatro La Fenice conducted by Maestro Chung at the Palazzo Quirinale in Rome. During more than 20 years of collaboration with Tokyo Phil since 2001 as Special Artistic Advisor and Honorary Music Director, Maestro Chung has led many fabulous and memorable performances. The entire Tokyo Phil wholeheartedly congratulates Maestro Myung-Whun Chung on receiving this preeminent honor from the Republic of Italy.