Rong Zhang, DMA

Rong Zhang, a native of Shanghai, holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the Manhattan School of Music, where she studied with Kent Tritle and Dr. Ronnie Oliver. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree with academic honors from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and later received a Master of Music degree and Graduate Diploma in Choral Conducting from the New England Conservatory, where she studied with Erica Washburn.

In 2026, Rong was named winner of the Respighi Prize in Conducting. As part of this honor, she makes her Carnegie Hall debut conducting Carnival of the Animals in the Children’s Tales program led by Maestro Salvatore Di Vittorio.

Her prior experience includes serving as assistant conductor for the Lincoln Center Search for Spring Project, conducting the Oratorio Society of New York, and serving as assistant conductor for the West Village Chorale under Artistic Director and Conductor Colin Britt. During her time at NEC, Rong regularly conducted the NEC Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, and served as a graduate assistant to William Drury with the NEC Symphonic Winds. She has also appeared as a guest conductor with Navy Band Northeast, the Cambridge Acappella Group, the Shanghai Opera House Chorus, and the Choir of the Shanghai University for Science and Technology, and has directed ensembles in Massachusetts and New York City.

In addition to her work as a conductor, Rong is a trained pianist and won first prize in the Hong Kong International Piano Competition.