Cover Zhang Zhang performing (Photo: Instagram/@zhangomc)
Zhang Zhang performing (Photo: Instagram/@zhangomc)
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Zhang Zhang, first violinist of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, returned to China this month to promote cross-cultural connection through music.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Monaco. For Zhang Zhang—a Chinese musician who has spent nearly as long living and performing in Monaco—the occasion is deeply personal. Together with the Monaco Zhangomusiq Concertmasters Orchestra, which she founded, Zhang travelled to Macau for Galaxy Music Gala: A Musical Journey from Monaco to Macau, a one-night-only concert at Galaxy Macau on May 21.
Though born in Beijing, Zhang says performing in Macau felt like a homecoming. Onstage, she noted that Macau, like her adopted home Monte Carlo, is a small but culturally rich enclave. In an interview with Tatler, she described Macau as “reminiscent of Dunhuang of ancient times, [which is like] a gateway between China and other civilisations. This makes it the perfect setting for our concert.”
Above Zhang Zhang at ‘Macau for Galaxy Music Gala: A Musical Journey from Monaco to Macau’ (Photo: courtesy of Galaxy Macau)
Zhang Zhang at ‘Macau for Galaxy Music Gala: A Musical Journey from Monaco to Macau’ (Photo: courtesy of Galaxy Macau)
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The programme was a vibrant tapestry of musical styles, celebrating Monaco’s “historically diverse and innovative artistic contribution to the world of music and the arts.” Highlights included the China première of Gordon Jacob’s Horn Concerto, Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, and the Asia première of a new orchestral and guitar arrangement of Manuel de Falla’s Three Dances. The evening also featured a performance of the iconic Chinese song Songs of the Seven Sons by local students. “A good musical programme is like a feast. I prefer to enjoy many different flavours, both the familiar and newly discovered,” Zhang said, adding that she was proud to present her colleagues from Monaco to Macau.
The concert was attended by Her Excellency Marie-Pascale Boisson, the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Principality of Monaco to the People’s Republic of China and Galaxy’s guest of honour. She highlights the importance of forging cultural ties through cultural occasions like this one. “I am honoured to have participated in this special musical event, [which was] a standout cultural celebration of the 30th anniversary of Sino-Monégasque diplomacy,” she says. Troy Hickox, the head of hotels and lifestyle development of Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) and the director of Monte Carlo Societé des Bains de Mer (SBM), further adds that Zhang’s Macau concert was particularly important as it also celebrated the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between GEG and SBM.
Above From left: Her Excellency Marie-Pascale Boisson and Troy Hickox (Photo: courtesy of Galaxy Macau)
From left: Her Excellency Marie-Pascale Boisson and Troy Hickox (Photo: courtesy of Galaxy Macau)
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Zhang’s path to Monaco was serendipitous. Born during China’s Cultural Revolution, she faced challenges studying music. She later pursued violin studies in the United States and Switzerland. While in Switzerland, she spotted a recruitment poster for the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. She auditioned and was offered the role just eight hours later. What began as a temporary plan became a decades-long journey, culminating in her position as first violinist.
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Above Zhang Zhang and the Monaco Zhangomusiq Concertmasters at ‘Macau for Galaxy Music Gala: A Musical Journey from Monaco to Macau’ (Photo: courtesy of Galaxy Macau)
Zhang Zhang and the Monaco Zhangomusiq Concertmasters at ‘Macau for Galaxy Music Gala: A Musical Journey from Monaco to Macau’ (Photo: courtesy of Galaxy Macau)
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Monaco, she explains, has a “long history of artistic excellence.” The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1886, ranks among Europe’s most prestigious symphony orchestras. The principality also played a pivotal role in supporting the avant-garde, serving as a haven for the exiled Ballets Russes in the early 20th century—bringing together visionaries such as Nijinsky, Debussy, Stravinsky, Picasso and Coco Chanel.
Today, Monaco remains a beacon of cultural excellence. The principality is home to the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, led by Cecilia Bartoli, and the celebrated Ballet de Monte-Carlo. Zhang values the diversity of her performances, which span symphony, opera, ballet and chamber music—and range from grand venues like the Monte Carlo Casino to intimate settings such as retirement homes and hospitals. “I like bringing the joy of music to those who are no longer able to attend concerts,” she said.
In 2004, following the devastating tsunami in Sri Lanka, where Zhang and the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra performed at a charity concert to raise funds for an impacted fishing village, she launched Zhangomusiq. Its unique operational model ensures that all concert revenue directly supports humanitarian, ecological and educational projects, with production costs covered by corporate partners. The initiative’s first event raised funds to rebuild a fishing village—an experience that showed her how music could do more than entertain. Since then, Zhangomusiq has delivered more than 70 concerts and supported projects in 40 countries. The group is currently planning to build two schools for girls in Afghanistan.
In a world often divided, Zhang sees music as a means to foster empathy. “By listening to each other, we can understand one another better,” she said. “Classical music is one of the most accessible and universal art forms of our time. Like food, it needs no translation.” She recalled an inspiring moment in Kenya’s Amboseli Valley, where she played for a Maasai village unfamiliar with the violin. Despite the language barrier, the shared experience of music united them in laughter, dance and song. “We could not speak in the same language, but we understood each other through the music we shared,” she reflected. “Musical arts should create bridges and break down barriers. As musicians, we have a powerful voice. We can—and should—be leaders of peace and positive influence.”
Above Zhang Zhang visiting a Maasai village in Kenya (Photo: courtesy of Zhang Zhang and Marco Strullu)
Zhang Zhang visiting a Maasai village in Kenya (Photo: courtesy of Zhang Zhang and Marco Strullu)
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While continuing her work with Zhangomusiq, Zhang recently left the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic after nearly 25 years and is relocating to Asia. Her next venture is a documentary series for TVMonaco exploring the cultural influence of the Silk Roads. Whether through violin or camera, Zhang remains driven to connect worlds. “Keep listening, keep learning, always remain curious,” she advises the next generation. “Being the best is not the goal. Creating beauty and serving a meaningful purpose is much more rewarding.”
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Zabrina is the Senior Editor, Arts and Culture of Tatler Hong Kong. She specialises in performing arts, visual art and film. Her wanderlust was first fuelled by the Mighty Rovers Antarctica Expedition 2010. Over the years, she has interviewed A-list artists and filmmakers, including Oscar winners Chlóe Zhao and Tim Yip, Golden Horse winner Sylvia Chang, In the Mood for Love cinematographer Christopher Doyle, Pachinko author Min Jin Lee, and Coachella’s first Chinese solo singer Jackson Wang. She won gold at the WAN-IFRA Asian Media Awards for her 2021 feature on the waves of hate crimes targeting Asian Americans.
