The Seattle Symphony has announced Xian Zhang as its new music director, marking a historic moment as Zhang becomes the first female to lead the orchestra in its 121-year history. Zhang, who is currently the music director of the New Jersey Symphony, will commence her five-year contract in the 2025-26 season. This appointment also makes her the first woman to lead a significant West Coast orchestra. She succeeds Thomas Dausgaard, who abruptly departed in January 2022.
Xian Zhang’s Enthusiasm for Seattle and Its Musicians
At 51, Zhang expressed her excitement about working with the musicians of Seattle, praising their flexibility and open-mindedness. She highlighted how much she enjoyed these qualities during her previous engagements with the Seattle Symphony. Zhang has conducted the orchestra on numerous occasions since her debut in 2008, including during the pandemic when she led streaming programs and the season-opening program in 2021 due to COVID-related travel restrictions impacting Dausgaard.
Praised for Energy and Inspiration
Jeffrey Barker, Seattle Symphony’s associate principal flute and search committee member, praised Zhang’s dynamic energy and her ability to inspire excitement during performances. He recalled her 2023 performance of the “William Tell” Overture as particularly memorable and praised her skill in captivating both the orchestra and the audience.
The Abrupt Departure of Thomas Dausgaard
The search for a new music director followed Thomas Dausgaard’s sudden and unexpected departure in January 2022. Dausgaard cited feelings of unsafety and interpersonal tensions with the Symphony’s management, claims which were strongly denied by the administration. This left the orchestra searching for a new leader during a period of uncertainty.
Collaborative Spirit of Zhang’s Appointment
Krishna Thiagarajan, president of the Seattle Symphony, emphasised the collaborative approach leading up to Zhang’s appointment. He highlighted her musicianship, communication skills, warmth, humour, and openness as essential qualities for her role as music director. Board member Dr. Susan Detweiler also pointed out that Zhang’s leadership and excellence in musicality will be vital in navigating the orchestra through uncertain times as it rebuilds in the wake of the pandemic.
Zhang’s Prestigious Global Career
Xian Zhang gained international recognition after winning the Maazel-Vilar Conducting Competition in 2002. She has since held several prestigious positions, including roles with the BBC National Orchestra & Chorus of Wales, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano. Zhang will maintain a bi-coastal presence, continuing with the New Jersey Symphony until the 2027-28 season. Her Seattle contract includes two weeks of performances in 2024-25, eventually expanding to thirteen weeks by the 2026-27 season.
Expanding Influence Beyond the Orchestra
Zhang’s influence extends beyond the symphony stage, with significant commitments in opera. She is set to conduct rehearsals for Tosca at the Metropolitan Opera, following a historic rise in the number of female conductors in the opera world this spring.
Zhang’s Vision for Diversity and Contemporary Works
A groundbreaking appointment, Zhang not only becomes the first woman but also the first person of colour to lead the Seattle Symphony. In an industry historically skewed towards male dominance, Zhang has expressed a strong commitment to enhancing diversity. She envisions bringing more commissions and opportunities for female composers and conductors, while also maintaining a balance between classical works and contemporary pieces. Her leadership aims to support and elevate new generations of composers.
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