Press, audiences rave about Xian Zhang!
Xian Zhang has inspired press and audiences alike in her first concerts as Music Director—and she is back on the podium this weekend! Hear why The New York Times calls her a “dynamic podium presence” and praises her “technical abilities, musicianship and maturity.”
Critical excitement for Zhang’s first performances as the Orchestra’s artistic leader has been palpable. Her arrival in New Jersey sparked features and profiles from The New York Times, The Star-Ledger, WWFM, U.S. 1, Princeton Magazine, The Times of Trenton and more. WQXR shared an interview with Zhang and audio from rehearsal. (Listen)
Reviewing her October 27 debut, The New York Times praised the conductor and her chemistry with the Orchestra: “[Zhang] showed complete command of these scores and a deep feeling for them … [The performance] spoke to meticulous preparation by Ms. Zhang, but also to a certain freedom and risk-taking on the part of the players that suggested an enthusiastic and confident response to her direction.”
The Star-Ledger wrote: “Zhang clearly has the attention of her orchestra—and after [these debut concerts] she will also have the attention of her audience … Regardless of how the state votes on Nov. 8, New Jersey is with her.”
NJArts.net hailed the “impressive intensity” Zhang brought to the podium, writing: “[She conducted] with brisk, commanding energy and an intense focus that helped draw the audience in. She has such a strong physical presence that her conducting almost seemed like an athletic feat.
Blasting News wrote: “Xian Zhang exudes abundant dynamic energy. She uses her body powerfully to extract from the players the precise sound she seeks. And what a sound! The Orchestra played with precision and majesty and sweep.”
Audience members raved about the Music Director’s first performances on Concert Coda. Ian Kwan Hou called the debut a “fantastic performance by any measure.”
Glynnis Gourhan wrote: “Zhang is one of my absolute favorite conductors—every time I see her conduct, she absolutely astounds me with her total and complete understanding of the music and the orchestra. As a female student who wishes to pursue music and conducting in the future, Zhang is my biggest inspiration … Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony [was] so powerful that at points it brought tears to my eyes. She brings such life to the NJSO, and her stage presence is overwhelming. A truly memorable concert.”
Subscriber Paul Kaufman commented: “It was a delight to see how responsive the orchestra was to the new Music Director. There was a spirit of excitement and enthusiasm that went through both the audience and the orchestra, punctuated by substantial applause at the end of each work on the program.”
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