Xian Zhang made history on Thursday by becoming the first woman conductor to head a major West Coast orchestra. She was hired as the music director of the Seattle Symphony, filling a post that had been vacant since Thomas Dausgaard’s abrupt departure in January 2022.

Zhang has agreed to a five-year contract starting in 2025-26, and she will serve as the music director designate this season.

Having first conducted the Seattle Symphony in 2008, Zhang has a longstanding relationship with the orchestra. She has impressed audiences during her performances of various pieces, including Prokofiev’s “Alexander Nevsky” and Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.”

Seattle Symphony President Krishna Thiagarajan praised Zhang’s energy and connection with the orchestra and audience, noting her ability to bring a fresh perspective while honoring traditional interpretations.

Zhang, a Grammy Award-winning conductor, has been the music director of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra since 2016-17. She is known for championing contemporary American composers and advocating for women in music.

Born in China, Zhang’s musical journey has taken her around the world, from the University of Cincinnati to the New York Philharmonic. She has a diverse background and a deep commitment to the art of conducting.

With her appointment, Zhang brings a new era of leadership to the Seattle Symphony, promising engaging performances and innovative programming for the future.

Stay tuned for Zhang’s upcoming performances with the Seattle Symphony and other renowned orchestras as she continues to make her mark on the classical music world.