In February 2007, Anthony Holden (The Guardian) wrote of English National Opera’s La bohème production that ​“the revelation is the passionate conducting of the Chinese maestra Xian Zhang, whose ENO debut will one day be remembered as a significant stepping stone in an illustrious career”. And so it has proved! Zhang returns on 16 October to conduct Benedict Andrews’ new production of the same opera, with Zach Borichevsky singing Rodolfo in his house debut.

This performance follows Zhang’s acclaimed proms debut with BBC National Orchestra of Wales and her summer festivals tour with European Union Youth Orchestra.

Xian’s next opera outing will be in January 2016 when she makes her debut with Oslo Opera conducting La traviata. She then conducts Otello for Savonlinna Opera in summer 2016.

Zach Borichevsky will go on to debut at The Metropolitan Opera later this season as Edmondo (Manon Lescaut) under Fabio Luisi and returns to Santa Fe Opera for Barber’s Vanessa next summer.