Cellist Han-na Chang Named Principal Guest Conductor of the Hamburger Symphoniker

Han-Na Chang made her debut with the Hamburger Symphoniker in October 2021, and impressed its Artistic Director Daniel Kühnel so much that he soon offered her a more permanent role.

Chang is presently Chief Conductor of the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, a position she has held since 2017. Prior to that appointment she was the orchestra's Principal Guest Conductor, and also served as the Music Director of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.

Chang has come to conducting relatively recently, having already performed internationally as a cellist. Aged just eleven, she won both the Grand Prix de la Ville de Paris and the Contemporary Music Prize at the 5th Rostropovich International Cello Competition. She has studied with both Mischa Maisky and Mstislav Rostropovich, and additionally received a degree in philosophy from Harvard University.

"The big news of the day: it gives me great joy to serve as the Erste Gastdirigentin [First Guest Conductor] of the wonderful Symphoniker Hamburg!" wrote Chang on social media.

"We had an amazing time together when I filled in last-minute back in October. The musicians and I share a sense of adventure, deep love, passion and commitment to finding THE right sound - and I look forward to continuing our quest for the sound in all the great music we will perform together!"