Manhattan Philharmonic
Manhattan Philharmonic Society was known as the Asia Cultural Symphony of the USA, is made up of nearly 100 music professionals and music lovers in the Greater New York Area. Most members of the orchestra were previously trained at higher education institutions of music, of which more than half of them graduated from The Juilliard School. Some members have signed with major orchestras in the U.S. and become major forces of local music groups. The orchestra has also absorbed a batch of musicians who graduated from music institutes but engaged in other industries. So far the orchestra has participated in hundreds of performances across the U.S. including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, New York City Hall, the UN Headquarters, U.S. Capitol, as well as toured in New York; Washington, D.C.; New Jersey; Maryland; and Virginia.
Music Director, Conductor
Steven Fang Fei is the first Chinese conductor to take his orchestra to perform at the U.S. Capitol, Bryant Park, and the Oculus at the World Trade Center. Born in Shanghai, he served as a cultural ambassador in the 1970s, performing across Europe.
In 2004, he founded the New York Oriental Chamber Orchestra, and in 2016 became music director of the Asian Cultural Symphony of the USA. In 2024, Mr. Fang Fei founded Manhattan Philharmonic Society, leading performances at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.
He has served as music director for major cultural events including the Manhattan Piano Competition, North American University Lunar New Year Gala, and as a judge for CCTV China Youth Talent Show Contest.
Director of External Affairs & Public Relations
Zaozao Wang serves as the Director of External Affairs & Public Relations at the Manhattan Philharmonic.
In this role, she leads the orchestra's public engagement initiatives, manages corporate sponsorships, and fosters relationships with media, cultural institutions, and community partners.
Through strategic communication and cultural diplomacy, she works to enhance the orchestra's visibility and strengthen its connections across diverse audiences.