Connecting China and the U.K.Through Classical Music– Story of a Chinese Female Conductor’s Passion for Music

摘要

THE National Center for the Performing Arts located on Beijing’s Chang’an Avenue was ablaze with lights,and completely full of welldressed British gentlemen,grey-haired senior citizens,and music-obsessed young people and children on December 13,2018.When musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales(BBC NOW)entered the auditorium and sat down,the principal guest conductor Zhang Xian,dressed in black,took a few brisk steps onto the stage and bowed to the audience.As she turned around,and made a simple gesture to the orchestra,everyone present held their breaths with deep anticipation.The concert hall became so quiet that you could hear the sound of a needle drop.