Xian Zhang leads the Seattle Symphony. Photo by James Holt/Seattle Symphony.
In last Thursday’s (3/27) Northwest Asian Weekly, an unsigned article states, “The Seattle Symphony has announced its 2025/2026 season, marking the debut of Xian Zhang as its next music director. Zhang, an internationally acclaimed conductor, brings a fresh artistic vision that blends classical masterworks with contemporary compositions and cross-cultural collaborations…. Zhang said, ‘The 2025/2026 season embodies the spirit of new beginnings—of discovery, joy, reinvention, and collaboration. I look forward to being a part of this beautiful, vibrant city …’ Zhang will lead 10 programs featuring works by Mozart, Mahler, Gershwin, and Rachmaninov, as well as contemporary pieces by Michael Abels, Melissa Douglas, Steven Mackey, Nokuthula Ngwenyama, Qigang Chen and Jessie Montgomery…. Zhang was born in China and began her musical journey with studies at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. She later continued her education in the United States, earning her master’s degree in conducting from the Juilliard School…. The season will also feature innovative chamber music, family-friendly performances, and collaborations with diverse artists.” Zhang is also music director of the New Jersey Symphony.
