Xian Zhang makes her historic debut as Seattle Symphony Music Director
Sep 16, 2025
New Jersey Symphony Music Director Xian Zhang recently made history as she became the first woman to become the Music Director of a major West coast orchestra, with the Seattle Symphony’s 2025–26 season opening concerts being her first in that title. Zhang will continue as Music Director of the New Jersey Symphony through the next three seasons. She spoke to Gemma Wilson of The Seattle Times about her musical journey and the generational impact she has made in American classical music.
“I always let music lead the way, ” she said. “I don’t try to take charge. And if I do the music well, then the music will win them over for me.”
Xian Zhang to Gemma Wilson of The Seattle Times