At 93, Zheng Xiaoying isn’t just a trailblazer—she’s a force of nature. Known as the Chinese mainland’s first female symphony conductor and the first Chinese musician to lead performances in overseas opera houses, Zheng’s baton still swings with passion. 🎻
‘Since they need it, I’ll do it,’ she declared, reflecting on her lifelong mission to bring classical music to the masses. Late last year, Zheng and her student Wu Lingfen (combined age: 170!) staged a stunning rendition of Verdi’s La Traviata, proving that artistry knows no expiration date.
From breaking glass ceilings in the 1950s to mentoring young musicians today, Zheng remains a pillar of China’s cultural scene. 🌟 Her secret? ‘Nourish hearts with music,’ she says—and her relentless drive to teach, perform, and inspire.
