New Jersey Symphony names first Chinese music director

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) has named Chinese conductor Zhang Xian its 14th music director, effective Sept 1, 2016.

As the first ever Chinese artistic director in the NJSO's history, Zhang said she would work with the orchestra to promote cultural exchange between her motherland and the US.

"New Jersey has a large population of not only Chinese but also Asians, like Koreans and Indians, which is very diversified," Zhang said at a press conference announcing her new role on Monday in Newark. "We are more than willing to promote culture exchange programs between different cultures in the future."

Orchestra concertmaster Eric Wyrick was also on hand. "We strive to develop artistic connections at the NJSO, and during her many guest appearances, Xian has become quite an orchestra favorite," he said. "My performance of Brahms' Double Concerto with principal cellist Jonathan Spitz under Xian last year was the artistic highlight of my season. I believe we forged a bond that will flourish over the seasons we will play together."

"Zhang Xian embodies and values the core tenants that stand at the heart of the NJSO mission — a passion for both artistic excellence and community engagement," said orchestra board of trustees co-chair Stephen Sichak, Jr.

Born in Dandong, China, Zhang made her professional debut conducting The Marriage of Figaro at the Central Opera House in Beijing at the age of 20.

She trained at Beijing's Central Conservatory, earning both a bachelor's and master's degree, and she served one year on its conducting faculty before moving to the US in 1998.

She was appointed the New York Philharmonic's Assistant Conductor in 2002, subsequently becoming their associate conductor and the first holder of the Arturo Toscanini Chair.

Zhang frequently returns to China, where she is a regular conductor with the China Philharmonic, the Beijing Symphony and Guangzhou Symphony.

A champion for Chinese composers, she recently conducted the world premiere of Chen Qigang's Luan Tan — a Hong Kong Philharmonic commission. She also conducted Chen Qigang's Iris Devoilee with the National Center for the Performing Arts and BBC National Orchestra of Wales, as well as Tan Dun's Resurrection Concerto with the Los Angeles Philharmonic last season.

As an internationally renowned conductor who has been music director of the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi in Milan, Italy since 2009, Zhang will lead the NJSO in seven subscription classical programs in her first season as music director.

"I am proud to become the leader of an orchestra that shares my belief in the power of music to transform lives both in and outside of the concert hall," said Zhang.

"I remember there was an instant connection the first time I conducted the NJSO. Ever since then, every time we collaborated, these musicians impressed me with their commitment, intelligence and musicianship."

Zhang's next appearance with the NJSO will be leading performances of Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony and Barber's Violin Concerto with Jennifer Frautschi in April in Newark, Red Bank and Morristown, New Jersey.