The Seattle Symphony has appointed a successor to lead the orchestra starting next year, in the wake of the immediate exit of its previous music director two years ago.
Xian Zhang is joining the Seattle Symphony as the orchestra's upcoming Music Director starting with the 2025/26 season.
According to Seattle Symphony President & CEO Krishna Thiagarajan, "Today we are witnessing history being made with the appointment of Zhang."
"Her passionate musicianship is inspiring, her technique is clear and precise and the resulting performances captivate our audiences in heart and soul."
Zhang will feature her talents in a series of performances alongside other prestigious ensembles including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera, and the New World Symphony Orchestra.
During her visit to Brazil last June, she led the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra when her agent reached out with news of an exciting job offer from the Seattle Symphony.
"I was kind of surprised," Zhang said, per AP News. "I was completely not prepared to hear such good news."
According to a press release shared by the Violin Channel, Zhang expressed, "As Music Director, I look forward to connecting with audiences on a deeper level, experiencing inspiring concerts together and discovering new music at Benaroya Hall, one of my all-time favorite performance halls to conduct in."
"Thank you to all of the wonderful people I have been able to work with at the Seattle Symphony so far - musicians, board members and administrative staff. I look forward to a wonderful future together."
Xian Zhang's Achievements
In 2008, Zhang marked her debut performance with the Seattle Symphony and continued to stand by the ensemble during the challenging times of the pandemic, being among the first conductors to lead the orchestra back onto the stage.
She led the New Jersey Symphony for eight seasons and held roles of Artistic Ambassador for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and Conductor Emeritus for the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano.
Breaking barriers and making history, Zhang has become the female Music Director in New Jersey and for any Italian symphony orchestra. Additionally, she is set to make waves as the first woman to take the helm of a West Coast orchestra.
In the past, Zhang held the position of Principal Guest Conductor for the BBC National Orchestra, Chorus of Wales, and the MSO.
The Chinese-American conductor has shared her skills as a guest conductor at venues such as the Metropolitan Opera, but it was with the Philadelphia Orchestra that she proudly clinched a GRAMMY Award last year.
In 2002, Zhang clinched the top prize in the Maazel-Vilar Conductor's Competition.
