In early January, Xian Zhang made a long-anticipated return to conduct the New York Philharmonic, where she once served as Associate Conductor. Marking her first appearance with the ensemble since 2009, the program featured Yefim Bronfman in Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto, alongside Chen Yi’s Landscape Impression and Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony.
“[Schumann’s] sole Piano Concerto is a work of subtle invention, and Zhang conducted it with care. The NY Phil is known for their big, blaring sound. But under Zhang’s baton the work had a hushed, gentle clarity. … The crowd gave a mighty cheer at the end, and Zhang and Bronfman exchanged looks at the curtain call that indicated they were quite pleased with what they had just pulled off….Zhang’s ability to collaborate and create contrasting — but still captivating — sounds with different collaborators is why she’s made the New Jersey Symphony so exciting. And also, why she’s in such demand on major podiums today.” – James C. Taylor, NJ.com
“With decisive gestures and brisk tempi, Xian Zhang emphasized the work’s orchestral colors, producing a vivid, shimmering picture of the scene. … Zhang and the Philharmonic players gave a characterful performance.” – Susan Stempleski, Bachtrack
“…the short middle section allowed Ms. Zhang to offer elegant tones to Mr. Bronfman’s textures…The folk tunes, the galloping meters, the non‑stop pure loveliness was the opposite of the usually dour Tchaikovsky visage. Ms. Zhang wisely didn’t make it bumptious. Instead, like a Chekhov story, the music happily plunged ahead, a sleigh ride with the orchestra singing endless (or half‑an‑hour’s worth) songs and riddles and joy, real joy.” – Harry Rolnick, ConcertoNet.com
The 2025/26 season marks the start of GRAMMY® and Emmy Award–winning conductor Xian Zhang’s tenure as Music Director of the Seattle Symphony, following a collaboration that began with her 2008 debut. She also assumes the role of Principal Guest Conductor of the China NCPA Orchestra in Beijing and starts her tenth season as Music Director of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, as well as continuing as Conductor Emeritus of Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano, where she served as Music Director from 2009 to 2016.
Recent and upcoming highlights include returns to the Philadelphia Orchestra for Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, and to the St. Louis Symphony with a programme featuring Reena Esmail’s Re Member, Childs’ Saxophone Concerto, and Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5. Additional engagements include the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw – where she leads Bernstein’s Candide Overture, the Dutch premiere of Childs’ Saxophone Concerto, and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 – and her debut at the Finnish National Opera conducting Puccini’s Tosca.
Photo: Benjamin Ealovega