Role

:

Conductor

Birth

:

1973 in Dandong, China

 

Xian Zhang is a renowned Chinese conductor who has made a name for herself in the classical music industry. She was born on December 23, 1973, in Dandong, Liaoning Province, China. Her parents were both musicians, and they encouraged her to pursue a career in music from a young age. Zhang began studying piano at the age of three and later learned to play the violin and viola. Zhang's musical talent was evident from an early age, and she was accepted into the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing at the age of 12. She studied conducting under the tutelage of renowned conductor Li Delun and graduated with a degree in conducting in 1993. After graduation, Zhang continued her studies in the United States, where she earned a master's degree in conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Zhang's career as a conductor began in 1998 when she was appointed as the assistant conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. She quickly gained recognition for her talent and was appointed as the music director of the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi in 2009. Zhang was the first female conductor to hold this position, and she made history by leading the orchestra in a performance at La Scala, one of the world's most prestigious opera houses. Zhang has also served as the principal guest conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. She has conducted many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. Zhang has also collaborated with many renowned soloists, including Lang Lang, Yo-Yo Ma, and Maxim Vengerov. One of Zhang's most notable performances was her debut with the New York Philharmonic in 2010. She conducted a program that included works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Chen Qigang. The performance was well-received by both the audience and the critics, and it cemented Zhang's reputation as one of the world's leading conductors. Zhang has received many awards and honors throughout her career. In 2009, she was awarded the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, one of Italy's highest honors. She was also named one of the "Top 100 Chinese Women" by Phoenix TV in 2011. In 2016, Zhang was appointed as the principal guest conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, becoming the first woman to hold this position. Zhang is also a strong advocate for music education and has worked to promote classical music in China. She has served as the artistic director of the China Philharmonic Orchestra and has conducted many concerts in China, including a performance at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics in 2008. In addition to her work as a conductor, Zhang is also a composer. She has written several works for orchestra, including "The Five Elements," which was premiered by the London Symphony Orchestra in 2012. Zhang's talent, dedication, and passion for music have made her one of the most respected conductors in the world. She has broken down barriers and shattered stereotypes, paving the way for future generations of female conductors. Her contributions to the classical music industry have been recognized and celebrated, and she continues to inspire audiences around the world with her performances.

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