Latest news with #Zigman
South China Morning Post
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
How Hong Kong debut of Aaron Zigman's Émigré completes an emotional journey
American film composer Aaron Zigman's musical drama Émigré, about Jewish refugees in Shanghai in the late 1930s, will make its Hong Kong debut in an updated version that its composer says will 'complete' an emotional journey that began in 2019. Advertisement That was the year prominent Chinese conductor Yu Long invited Zigman, who is classically trained, and lyricists Mark Campbell and Brock Walsh to take part in the Émigré project, a joint commission by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. Zigman is known for writing the music for more than 60 Hollywood films – including the 2004 box office hit The Notebook and the 2008 film version of Sex and the City – and for writing and arranging popular albums for musical legends such as Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner. It took over three years for Zigman to complete Émigré and it only happened after he finally made his first visit to Shanghai, in 2023, amid growing Sino-US tensions. He fell in love with the city as soon as he landed, he says. 'Never in my life have I ever sat in a park and seen people at [5.30pm] dancing in a park, and in perfect synchronicity also doing tai chi,' he tells the Post. 'That was the inspiration for one of the pieces in the second act that I wrote.' The audience applauds performers after the global premiere of Émigré in Shanghai, China, in November 2023. Photo: Weibo/jinjin Premiering in Shanghai in November 2023, followed by performances in New York and Berlin, Émigré is a love story between a Jewish man – who was among tens of thousands of Jews who fled Nazi Germany for Shanghai – and a local Chinese woman.
Associated Press
24-02-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Leisa Zigman Joins The Genome Partnership Board
The Genome Partnership, the organization that hosts the renowned Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT) meetings, announced today at its 25th anniversary AGBT General Meeting that former AGBT president Leisa Zigman has joined its board of directors. Zigman, a respected journalist and former AGBT president, brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to advancing genomics research and collaboration. Her tenure as president saw significant growth in AGBT's impact, fostering scientific innovation and strengthening the organization's position as a premier convenor of the genomics community. 'Leisa's contributions to AGBT have been instrumental in shaping the success of our meetings and mission,' said Wendy Vlieks, president of The Genome Partnership. 'Announcing her appointment at our 25th anniversary General Meeting is especially fitting, as she has played a key role in AGBT's evolution. We are thrilled to have her join The Genome Partnership board, where her insights and expertise will continue to drive our commitment to advancing discovery and innovation in genomics.' Zigman's leadership has been pivotal in expanding AGBT's reach across key areas of genomic science, including precision health, agriculture and foundational research. As a board member, she will support strategic initiatives that enhance The Genome Partnership's role in fostering meaningful scientific exchange and collaboration. 'Leisa has been a driving force behind AGBT's growth and influence,' said Richard Wilson, chair of The Genome Partnership board and executive director of the Institute for Genomic Medicine at Nationwide Children's Hospital. 'Her leadership and vision have helped shape the genomics community, and I have no doubt that she will continue to be an invaluable asset to The Genome Partnership in this new role.' 'I am honored to join The Genome Partnership board and look forward to supporting its mission in this new capacity,' Zigman said. 'The organization has long been a catalyst for transformative genomics research, and I am excited to contribute to its continued success.' For more than 25 years, The Genome Partnership has provided a forum for researchers, industry leaders and policymakers to discuss the most groundbreaking advances in genomics. With Zigman's appointment, the organization reinforces its dedication to leadership and excellence in the field. About The Genome Partnership The Genome Partnership is a not-for-profit organization committed to advancing research, promoting education and fostering dialogue in genomics and life sciences. Through its globally recognized AGBT meetings, the organization convenes leading experts to discuss cutting-edge scientific advancements and applications. SOURCE: The Genome Partnership Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 02/24/2025 08:10 AM/DISC: 02/24/2025 08:10 AM
