Seattle Symphony: Xian and James Ehnes
Lineup
James Ehnes has established himself as one of the most sought-after musicians on the international stage. Gifted with a rare combination of stunning virtuosity, serene lyricism and an unfaltering musicality, Ehnes is a favourite guest at the world’s most celebrated concert halls.
“Zhang has an exceptional ear for balance, as well as the ability to draw the softest, most transparent tones imaginable from the orchestra. …With such skills and obvious audience appeal, Zhang should prove a valuable addition to the Met’s conducting staff.” 2025/26 marks the GRAMMY® and Emmy Award-winning conductor Xian Zhang’s tenth season as Music Director of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
Seattle Wind Symphony is a 55-member audition-level woodwind, brass, and percussion ensemble founded in 2011 to present professional quality symphonic wind music to the general public, educators, and students in the Puget Sound region. The ensemble is dedicated to performing compelling literature from diverse composers and inspiring young musicians by modeling high standards of music and performance.
The great 19th century French composer Hector Berlioz holds a unique place in musical history. Far ahead of his time, he was one of the most original of great composers, but also an innovator as a practical musician, and a writer and critic whose literary achievement is hardly less significant than his musical output. Few musicians have ever excelled in all these different fields at once.
