Chinese-born conductor Xian Zhang has been chosen as the new chief conductor of the Seattle Symphony after a search process that has lasted several years. With the appointment of Zhang, the North American group will have for the first time in its history the first woman to hold the orchestra.
Xian Zhang
The Seattle Symphony has announced the news that Director Xian Zhang has been appointed the new head director of the training, thus completing a selection process that has lasted three years. Resident since 1998 in the United States, the teacher of Chinese origin will be the first woman to hold the title of North American training. The incorporation of the conductor will occur in the 2024/25 season, once her professional relationship with the New Jersey Symphony ends.as the Seattle orchestra announced in a statement. The contract with the latter will have a duration of five years.
Zhang is a well-known conductor of the Seattle Symphony, having stood on the podium several times after her debut in 2008.obtaining positive reviews on each of their visits. Was substitute for the previous principal conductor of the formation in 2021, when he had to lead the orchestra at the beginning of the season after travel difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, he was part of the project of streaming broadcasts carried out in confinement for the aforementioned situation. In April 2024, Zhang conducted the Symphony’s Carmina Burana y Appalachian Spring.
