Name: Onstage & Open Rehearsal: Carmina Burana
Start: 2023-03-29T15:30:00
Location: Benaroya Hall

Xian Zhang

Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra

Our 2025/2026 season culminates with the ultimate symphony — Beethoven’s Ninth, featuring an all-star cast of soloists chosen by Music Director Xian Zhang and joined by the massed forces of the Seattle Symphony Chorale. Revolutionary, epic and at 200 years old, still as driven as Beethoven’s own sense of our shared destiny, he crowned this summit of his music with the stunning addition of voices in a song for humanity, hope and joy. Xian pairs it with Artist in Focus Steven Mackey’s RIOT, for chorus, vocalist and the composer himself on electric guitar. This inspiring music places race and resilience in the foreground with a setting of words by Tracy K. Smith — culminating in positive affirmation and a celebration of perseverance, commitment and community.

Xian Conducts Beethoven 9

Benaroya Hall

Go behind the scenes with guest conductor Xian Zhang and your Seattle Symphony at a rehearsal as they prepare for their performances of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana. Symphony supporters are invited to go behind the scenes at Open Rehearsals throughout the 2022/2023 season. Principals Club donors and above have the unique opportunity to join the orchestra on stage for this rehearsal! Enjoy an insider’s view of a working rehearsal and witness the interplay between conductor and musicians that goes into each breathtaking performance.