Zhang Named First Woman to Lead Seattle Symphony

Xian Zhang has been appointed the new music director of the Seattle Symphony, marking the first time a woman has helmed a major orchestra on the West Coast. Zhang will begin her five-year contract with the 2025-26 season, filling the position left vacant after Thomas Dausgaard's abrupt resignation in January 2022. Zhang's history with the orchestra dates back to 2008, with memorable performances including Orff's "Carmina Burana" and Copland's "Appalachian Spring."

Zhang has had an ongoing role as music director of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra since 2016 and won a 2023 Grammy Award for her work with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Seattle Symphony President Krishna Thiagarajan praised her for the "energy and the connection between her and the orchestra," highlighting her ability to bring a unique perspective while staying true to traditional interpretations. Zhang is also recognized for championing contemporary American composers and advocating for women in music.

Born in China, Zhang began playing piano at age three and later studied at Beijing's Central Conservatory of Music, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and won the prestigious Maazel/Vilar International Conductors' Competition. Zhang's take on her new job: "I was completely not prepared to hear such good news." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)