New York Times anticipates debut of ‘charismatic’ Xian Zhang

The New York Times season preview of classical and opera performances highlights Xian Zhang’s debut as NJSO Music Director. The paper writes:

Never quite getting the respect it deserves playing across the Hudson River from the New York Philharmonic and an international parade of guests, this excellent orchestra introduces its charismatic new music director, Xian Zhang, who begins her tenure with Tchaikovsky: the Piano Concerto No. 1 (with Simon Trpceski) and Symphony No. 5. (The entire season seems an effort to show that she and her band can more than hold their own in symphonic classics by Strauss, Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, Schubert, Shostakovich and Brahms.) Oct. 27-30, njsymphony.org.

» Read the full story at www.nytimes.com.

The New York Times hailed Zhang’s “dynamic performances” with the NJSO in April, writing:

On the podium she is a pint-size bundle of energy, conducting with feet firmly grounded and big, purposeful motions of the torso and arms. In brief remarks from the stage, she also showed herself to be a natural communicator, brimming with enthusiasm and humor: a good choice for this orchestra, which takes its ambassadorial role seriously with concert series offered across the state and numerous outreach initiatives.

The orchestra is also stocked with excellent players, and there were moments during Friday’s program when the sound reached a fullness and polish that would be the envy of better-known ensembles on the other side of the state lines.

» Read the full review at www.nytimes.com.

In her first concerts as the NJSO’s 14th Music Director, Zhang conducts Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, Piano Concerto No. 1 and Polonaise from Eugene Onegin, October 27–30. Pianist Simon Trpčeski joins the Orchestra for Tchaikovsky’s concerto. More info.

The following week, she leads a program featuring Beethoven’s Triple Concerto, Haydn’s Symphony No. 102 and Adagio from Piano Trio No. 40 and Strauss’ Suite from Der Rosenkavalier, November 3–6. The Beethoven concerto features NJSO Concertmaster Eric Wyrick, Principal Cello Jonathan Spitz and pianist Pedja Muzijevic. More info.

The NJSO hosts a special gala celebration to welcome its new artistic leader on Saturday, November 5, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. More info.