Xian Zhang
(c) Fred Stucker

The China NCPA Orchestra, the resident orchestra of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing, announced the appointment of Xian Zhang as its Principal Guest Conductor, effective from the new season.

While Lü Jia continues to lead the orchestra as Music Director, Zhang’s role as Principal Guest Conductor will further strengthen the artistic development of the China NCPA Orchestra. This appointment also marks a significant milestone and elevation of the decade-long collaboration between the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and Zhang.

Xian Zhang is entering her 10th year as Music Director of the New Jersey Symphony and began her tenure as Music Director of the Seattle Symphony in September of this year.

Following her tenure as Music Director of Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano between 2009-2016, she continues as it’s Conductor Emeritus. Previously, Zhang served as Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

Zhang first conducted the China NCPA Orchestra in 2015.