In her last concert of the 2019 calendar year with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Maestra Xian Zhang showcased precisely why her presence at the podium is becoming a big deal.
Sunday afternoon’s program at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark began with a wonderful choice by Zhang, the NJSO premiere of a 2009 piece by composer Anna Clyne. This is the third NJSO premiere she’s conducted in her three concerts so far this season— and what’s more, all three have been musically strong and thoroughly listenable.