Acclaimed Chinese Conductor Xian Zhang has become the first woman to be appointed as principal guest conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. A title that will propel Xian Zhang among the most sought after conductors in the UK.

Speaking to BBC UK, Xian Zhang said " I'm so excited to be working with BBC National Orchestra of Wales. They are a fantastic group of musicians who genuinely love making music, and are a natural team".

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Xian Zhang's appointment that runs for three years will come into effect from September 2016. During her three year tenure, Xian Zhang will conduct orchestra at BBC Hoddinott Hall, St David's Hall and Brangwyn Hall. Not to mention she will also perform for historic BBC Proms.

Born in Dandong, China in 1973, Xian Zhang made her debut in Central Opera House in Bejing at age 20. In 1998, she moved to US to pursue her career as a music conductor. In the US, she got her major breakthrough in 2002 when she was appointed as New York Philharmonic's assistant conductor. Ever since then, Xian Zhang has never looked back.

She has gone on to conduct music for some of the prestigious orchestra companies including Milan's Giuseppe Verdi Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony and Royal Concertgebouw orchestras. She figured in top 150 busiest conductors in a BBC Music poll in 2015.

Xian Zhang maintains that in her decade-long illustrious career, she has never once become conscious of either her gender or nationality. This is despite the fact that she is one of the very few female as well as Asian conductors out there. Xian Zhang, however, hopes to see more female conductors in future.

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