NOTICE OF CONDUCTOR CHANGE: THOMAS DAUSGAARD’S REUNION WITH THE SEATTLE SYMPHONY POSTPONED BY PANDEMIC TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

RENOWNED CONDUCTOR XIAN ZHANG TO STEP IN FOR DAUSGAARD IN SEASON OPENING’S LIVE CONCERTS AT BENAROYA HALL

Seattle, WA – Due to unavoidable governmental delays, the Seattle Symphony’s Music Director Thomas Dausgaard is unable to join the orchestra for its Opening Weekend celebration. Despite the best efforts of all involved, Dausgaard’s work visa process is severely stalled due to COVID-19-related travel issues. All known avenues to expedite Dausgaard’s return for the concerts on September 18 and 19 have been explored, and the Seattle Symphony respects the consulate’s need to prioritize emergency visa appointments during the evolving health crisis.

Guest conductor Xian Zhang will substitute for Dausgaard in the Symphony’s return to in-person audiences at Benaroya Hail on September 18 and 19. Zhang was hailed by The New York Times as a “virtual-concert jet-setter" following her Seattle Symphony Live performance last fall. The season’s opening event features the world premiere of “RE|Member,” a new piece by the organization’s Composer in Residence Reena Esmail and commissioned by the Seattle Symphony. Her singular talents will be paired with Igor Stravinsky’s popular “The Firebird Suite” and Richard Strauss’ dramatic “Don Juan.” These captivating works can also be enjoyed for free either via video stream on Seattle Symphony Live or radio broadcast on Classical KING FM 98.1.

The Seattle Symphony is requiring all visitors to provide proof of vaccination (or present a negative COVID-19 test) and wear masks at all times while in Benaroya Hall. This is in addition to numerous safety measures, including a hospital-grade air filtration system, increased cleaning and contactless ticketing systems. For more information about how the Symphony is working to ensure a safe return to live music, please see Plan Your Visit.

Additionally, the Seattle Symphony is implementing a flexible exchange and return policy through the end of the year. To learn more about changing performance plans, visit the Symphony’s Safety Page or contact the Seattle Symphony Ticket Office by emailing tickets@seattlesymphony.org or calling 206.215.4747.

SEATTLE SYMPHONY

Led by Music Director Thomas Dausgaard, the Seattle Symphony unleashes the power of music, brings people together and lifts the human spirit. Recognized as one of the “most vital American orchestras” (NPR), the Seattle Symphony is internationally acclaimed for its inventive programming, community-minded initiatives and superb recordings on the Seattle Symphony Media label. With a strong commitment to new music and a legacy of over 150 recordings, the orchestra has garnered five Grammy Awards, 26 Grammy nominations, two Emmy Awards and was named Gramophone’s 2018 Orchestra of the Year. The Symphony performs in Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle from September through July, reaching more than 750,000 people annually through live performances, streamed concerts and radio broadcasts.

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