image


BIOGRAPHY

Conductor
Darrell Ang

Singaporean conductor and composer rapidly emerging as one of the most dynamic and entrepreneurial figures in China’s classical music scene. Since 2017, he has served as Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra, where he has elevated the ensemble into a leading cultural force in Western China. Appointed by regional authorities to spearhead musical development in the region, Ang has launched ambitious initiatives including international orchestral tours, large-scale festivals, and cross-cultural education projects. He is celebrated globally as a leading interpreter of contemporary Asian composers, frequently conducting works by Chen Yi, Tan Dun, Zhou Long, and Qigang Chen.

A winner of all three top prizes at the 50th Besançon International Conducting Competition (2007), Ang has since built a distinguished international career, guest conducting orchestras such as the London Philharmonic, NHK Symphony Tokyo, and St. Petersburg Philharmonic. He made his San Francisco Opera debut in 2022 with Bright Sheng’s Dream of the Red Chamber and has led Lunar New Year celebrations with orchestras including the Baltimore, Melbourne, and Rotterdam Philharmonic. A fluent speaker of six languages, Ang is also an active composer—his works Fanfare for a Frazzled Earth and Kung Fu Koncerto have received wide acclaim. A GRAMMY nominee and Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (2015), he bridges East and West through music with artistic vision and cultural leadership.

San Francisco Opera, USA

Made his debut in 2022 conducting a 7-performance run of Bright Sheng’s

Sichuan Symphony Orchestra, Chengdu, China

Serving as Artistic Director & Chief Conductor since 2017, transforming the orchestra into a major cultural institution in Western China.

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, USA

Led the Lunar New Year concert in 2024, showcasing Asian repertoire and cultural fusion in a major American orchestra.

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Australia

Conducted the Lunar New Year celebration in 2023, highlighting contemporary Asian composers and cross-cultural programming.

Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Netherlands

Featured conductor for the 2023 Lunar New Year concerts, bringing Asian musical traditions to European audiences.

London Philharmonic Orchestra, UK

Guest conductor, praised for his interpretations of 20th-century French and Russian repertoire, as well as modern Asian works.

NHK Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo, Japan

Regular guest conductor, collaborating on performances of Western classics and Asian masterpieces, including works by Toru Takemitsu.

St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Russia

Conducted performances reflecting his deep roots in the Russian conducting school, fostering cultural dialogue between Asia and Russia.

Opéra National de Bordeaux, France

Collaborated on opera productions, demonstrating his expertise in the operatic repertoire and stagecraft.

Mariinsky Theatre, Russia

Conducted performances at one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, reinforcing his standing in the international opera world.

National Taichung Theater, Taiwan

Led artistic projects including premieres and educational programs, strengthening regional cultural networks.

Singapore National Youth Orchestra, Singapore

Premiered his orchestral work Fanfare for a Frazzled Earth (2024), a powerful statement on environmental crisis

Chengdu, China

Leading the development of major cultural infrastructure, including international music festivals, youth competitions, and exchange programs.

Various orchestras across China

His innovative Kung Fu Koncerto — a concerto for orchestra and martial arts master—has been performed to critical acclaim nationwide.